French acquiescence may soon enable Germany to have greater voting power in the European Union (EU). Previously French resistance has resulted in limited and underrepresented German voting power in the EU. However, the leading figure in shaping a new European constitution, Valery Giscard d'Estaing, is spearheading efforts to increase the voting weight of EU countries with larger populations. Excepting Russia (not always considered a part of Europe), Germany leads all European countries with a population of 80 million people.

Economically speaking, Germany historically has usually looked east. So the accession of Poland and seven other Eastern European nations into the EU will augment German power as well. Their economies have interfaced closely with Berlin for quite some time.

Heather Grabbe, Director of Research at the Centre for Eastern European Reform in London, recently remarked that "Germany is still the sleeping giant of Europe." For further understanding of Berlin's future role on the European scene, please request our free booklet Are We Living in the Time of the End? (Source: International Herald Tribune.)