How can Macron unite Europe? He could start with its armies | Hans-Werner Sinn

The French leader's desire to advance political and fiscal union should be applauded. After Brexit, he should push for EU military forces

Emmanuel Macron's victory in the French presidential election sent a wave of relief and euphoria across Europe. But now a reality check is in order, because we do not yet know how the president intends to restore the French economy. The country has an unemployment rate of nearly 10% and its manufacturing sector is 12% below the level before the 2008 global financial crisis.

Macron has indicated that he does not want to increase the retirement age, change the 35-hour working week or make it easier for companies to dismiss workers. At the same time, he wants northern eurozone countries to send money to southern countries to protect French financial and economic markets in these regions.

Related: Why the EU must be generous to the UK over Brexit | Hans-Werner Sinn