Chapter 2423: Future Two
The Germans have been building momentum for the European Union very early, and have made a high profile, such as providing various conveniences in terms of tariffs and personnel movement. Former members of the Entente, such as Romania, Greece, and Belgium have decided to join, and the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, and Italy have also expressed strong interest. Even Switzerland and Luxembourg, which have always been neutral, have expressed their intention to participate.
Even France, which has just fought to the death with Germany on the battlefield, said that the new relationship between the two countries can start with the economic and trade aspects. The French further opened up the energy market to the Germans, and the Germans reciprocated, offering to facilitate the French in colonial commercial activities.
Regarding the economic behavior of the French, Branting expressed his understanding. After all, before the war, the French imported a large amount of coal from Germany every year. For example, the year before the war, the coal imported by the French from Germany accounted for the country’s total demand. 20% of the amount. (Historically, this ratio was 18.4% in 1913.)
The coke produced by the Germans accounted for 78% of the French market demand! What needs to be explained is that before the war, the French imported 12.766 million tons of coal from the United Kingdom in the highest year, but now, the trade between Britain and France is almost cut off, so for the French, this part of coal imports is naturally only Being able to rely on Germany, which is also very close, it is surprising that part of this coal order of more than 20 million tons per year was actually given to the Austro-Hungarian Empire. This reflects from a certain aspect that France is not doing this for short-term expediency, but is preparing to establish a new type of diplomatic relationship with Germany and Austria.
After all, no matter how cheap the coal in the Austro-Hungarian Empire is, it will definitely not be cheaper than the coal mines in the Ruhr area of Germany, including the freight. The purpose of France in doing so is naturally more political than economic. Of course, in some people's eyes, this is a manifestation of France's dissatisfaction with Germany, and it is preparing to play a balance between Germany and Austria. Yes, after all, if it is only a short-term expedient measure, there is no need for the French to buy high-priced coal from Austria-Hungary when the economy is in trouble!
Therefore, all countries in Europe, whether they are former enemies or neutral countries, are considering joining this new alliance. Think about the current Europe and the colonies of European countries. If they can be integrated together, it will definitely be a very terrifying alliance! During the First World War, both Germany and Austria were already terrified. Once other European countries join this alliance, Branting must admit that there is no one in this world that can stand up to this alliance.
What is the general trend? This is the general trend, whether you like it or not, those who follow it will prosper, and those who go against it will perish! Domestically, although Branting has been emphasizing Sweden's neutral status all day, but now, when he faces Crown Prince Ruprecht, it is really difficult for him to say no.
"The price? Maybe war will break out in the future, but the empire doesn't need Sweden to take a stand in the next war. As long as you don't do things that harm the interests of the German Empire, your country can still remain neutral. We will reduce each other In order to better utilize and utilize the resources of both parties, we can even open up some military markets to allow Swedish companies to participate in some of our projects. Before, didn’t you always complain that the Kingdom of Bavaria has a better location advantage? Now that this opportunity is in front of you, what do you think?" the crown prince asked.
"Isn't this a military alliance?" Branting said.
"Yes, at least now we are just a pure trade union. We just hope that the Swedish government will not be against the Empire for some political reasons,
We have expressed our goodwill, but it does not mean that we will not safeguard our own interests. "The Crown Prince spoke vaguely.
"If you create a European Union, will non-Union countries be treated differently?" Branting asked.
"There will definitely be different treatment. The preferential trade policies within the alliance will not be extended to the outside of the alliance. In the future, the alliance will also establish a development foundation to support important projects related to the national economy and the people's livelihood, and cooperate in research and development and development of certain industries. , such as the field of civil aviation. All countries will benefit from these projects, but countries outside the region will not. We will also hold the currencies of the countries in the alliance to ensure the stability of the currency values of each country. At the same time, we will adopt the method of credit currency To reduce the loss of currency exchange. And in the case of economic difficulties and natural disasters in some countries, we will also give some help." The crown prince said.
In fact, Ruprecht's thinking is somewhat similar to that of the later generations of the European Union. They start with energy first, and then tariffs and trade. Then there are integrated economic policies and systems. Finally, there are paramilitary alliances. Each member state can choose a certain degree of cooperation according to its own needs.
"However, this treaty excludes Russia and the United Kingdom? So if we want to maintain normal economic and trade relations with these two countries, how will you choose?" Branting said.
"Normal economic and trade relations are naturally allowed, but the empire firmly resists actions that may harm our country's interests. For example, if some countries want to cooperate with Britain and Russia in military projects or transfer imperial technology If not, then we will never tolerate it!" said the crown prince.
"So how do you define a military program?" Branting asked.
"All items that can be used in the military. If your country needs it, we can make a detailed list. This is not just for your country, it is the same for all countries that cooperate with the empire." The crown prince said.
"From my personal point of view, I hope to cooperate with your country, but in some areas, our cognition may be somewhat biased. I think the independence of a country lies in the fact that it can cooperate with any country it wants to cooperate with. , and this point, other countries should not interfere." Branting hesitated for a while, but decided to fight for it again.
"You have the freedom to choose who you cooperate with, and we also have the freedom to punish our dissatisfied behavior. The so-called absolute freedom does not exist, whether it is an individual person or a country as a group. Of course, this It involves a trade-off issue, if you want to understand and are willing to bear certain consequences, then feel free." The crown prince said with a smile.
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