Cracks in the Franco-German relationship.

Since France and Germany signed the Elysee Treaty in 1963, the former enemies have developed a “common defense and security council, a financial and economic council and councils devoted to culture and environment” (Deutsche Welle, January 22, 2013).  They also have joint military efforts.

German Foreign Minister Westerwelle sees the Franco-German alliance as “a real gemstone in our European treasure chest” (Deutsche Welle, January 20, 2013).  Yet, Germany’s actions seem contradictory:  the Germans are planning to bring home all of the 374 metric tons of gold they have been holding in the French national bank (Forbes, January 16, 2013).  

The euro crisis has prompted Germany to take this action to protect its own financial well-being—in spite of its French “friend.”  Recent comments by the French Labor Minister that France “is a state but it is a totally bankrupt state” may provide a clue to Germany’s actions (Telegraph, January 31, 2013).  The days ahead could shed more light on Germany’s motives for removing its gold from France.  

Bible prophecies describe an end-time European Empire that will be a mixture of “iron and clay”—different cultures and ideas trying to unite under one common vision (Daniel 2:41-42).  Germany, with Europe’s strongest economy, may sense the clay-like weakness of France, and as a result is making stronger (iron-like) decisions to protect its own future. 

For more on this timely subject, read our article “Bible Prophecy and the European Dream.”