Parijs ontkent Frans-Duitse alliantie (en)

French President Jacques Chirac has moved to scotch rumours of a possible Franco-German union at the heart of the EU.

Today's edition of Le Monde quotes Mr Chirac as saying, "France and Germany are in a phase of intense co-operation on all European and international issues, but the concept of a Franco-German alliance is not part of our discussions".

The President was speaking after meetings with Edmund Stoiber, who was narrowly defeated by Gerhard Schröder in the German elections.

For his part, Mr Stoiber said that the idea of a union between Paris and Berlin "could not become reality".

"Our vision is the integration of Europe, even if this will be difficult with 25 or 27 members", added Mr Stoiber.

Historic gamble

The rumours that France and Germany were seriously discussing this topic has been fuelled in recent weeks by comments from senior figures on both sides.

French foreign minister Dominique de Villepin was reported by French media as saying that a Franco-German union was "the only historic gamble that we cannot possibly lose".

Ever closer co-operation

Certainly Paris and Berlin hold common positions on the main European issues.

They present a common front in the discussions over the future Constitution and they are at the forefront of negotiations on European defence.

Recently, they have been united against the European Commission which is taking them to task over their breach of the euro zone's spending rules.

And Jacques Chirac represented German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder at a recent meeting of European leaders.

Rumours are growing in Brussels that France and Germany may forge ahead with European integration if talks over the future EU fail.

But even Pascal Lamy, the French trade commissioner - who believes that a Franco-German alliance would be a "good antidote" if the EU loosened after enlargement - recognises that people on both sides of the Rhine are not yet ready to be joined at the hip.