In a three article series published in « Les Echos *», Roger de Waek once again proves what a fine analyst of the Franco-German relationship he is. All that is there: the political will to erase the past, the personalisation of the relationship by the two countries" leaders, the success of which varies with the haphazard nature of political cycles; the cultural differences revealed by linguistics; the stock of reunification, which has not been absorbed; the way the vagaries of diplomatic life can impinge on the spirit of the partnership; the striking lack of convergence between the two countries" business interests; the strength of a difference transmuted by political will into complementary engines or, just as will, intor complementary brakes, and without which nothing can be held for certain. Hence the idea fo subscribing to an insurance policy on a kind of Franco-German Union inside the European Union. *13 October, 17 November and 22 December.