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"On the occasion of their 'reunion' in Berlin, Nicolas Sarkozy and Angela Merkel did their utmost to restore confidence in the future of the Franco-German couple," reports Le Figaro. The daily explains that after weeks of bickering over the management of the eurozone crisis, "it was time for a Franco-German compromise" to ensure "coordination at the helm of the European economy." In particular the argument over a French plan for a 16-member eurozone governing body appears to be settled. "On Angela Merkel's insistence, economic matters will still be decided on the level of Europe's 27 member states, though the German Chancellor has conceded that "if necessary" the Eurogroup could convene the 16 eurozone finance ministers to deal with issues relating to the single currency. But this will not amount the creation of a new governing body." With a few days left to run before the 17 June European Council, Paris and Berlin appear to have taken charge of the situation, notably with a call for the reinforcement of the stability and growth pact and support for sanctions such as the withdrawal of European Council voting rights for countries that fail to observe fiscal regulations.
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