By Michel Rose, John Irish and Leigh Thomas

PARIS (Reuters) – Angela Merkel’s exit from the EU stage she dominated for 16 years has handed French President Emmanuel Macron an opportunity to take up the mantle of European leadership and press on with his plans for a more independent Europe.

But not fast diplomats of countries throughout the European Union assert.

Macron, the energetic French leader, has tried to provide clarity in strategic vision for the bloc. Merkel was often called the Queen of Europe. Brussels often adopts his language.

However, Macron’s direct style combined with his willingness to work alone to create EU strategies in a postwar Europe, which was built on consensus, will not allow him to succeed Merkel, according to senior diplomats from the region.

It’s not as if Macron is capable of leading Europe by himself. Non. No. “He can’t expect people will jump on to the French bandwagon,” said a diplomat from one of the founding countries of the EU.

Merkel was an exceptional person. “She was attentive to all and respected everyone.

When Australia ended a massive defence agreement with France for submarines, it was evident that Macron did not find support among European allies.

It was clear that there was deep resistance among European and central countries to Macron’s European defense autonomy vision and reduced dependence on U.S. protection from Russia.

The countries of the Baltic and Black Seas, who see America as Russia’s only reliable shield, were shocked by Macron calling NATO “brain dead” despite his efforts to love the eastern EU more than the French presidents.

Macron’s office didn’t respond to an inquiry for comment. French officials have admitted that their strategy of engaging Russian President Vladimir Putin was not successful.

An ambassador from eastern Europe to France laughed and said, “We could tell him how this Russia strategy would end up.” “We know Macron has to have contacts with Russia. Merkel did too. It’s just the way he did it.

WOOING DRAGHI, RUTTE

To be sure, Merkel also pushed projects that deeply divided EU members, such as the Nordstream 2 pipeline between Russia and Germany. Diplomats stated that Merkel was careful not to use the same defiant rhetoric Macron is accustomed to.

Georgina Wright from the Institut Montaigne thought tank in Paris said, “France has a vision. But it’s sometimes too assertive. And Macron’s leader can sometimes be disruptive.” The Franco-German partnership is vital, but Macron is recognizing that it is not sufficient.

Numerous diplomats mentioned two key figures who are crucial for Macron’s continued success in Europe regardless the outcome of Germany’s coalition negotiations following Sunday’s elections: Mark Rutte and Mario Draghi, the Italian Prime Minister.

According to sources, Macron already began to court Draghi. He is a well-respected former chief of European Central Bank and was responsible for saving the euro by inviting Draghi to his summer retreat. The visit was cancelled in the wake of Afghanistan’s turmoil.

Rutte is also a friend Macron has begun to communicate with, having successfully united a group known as “the Frugals”, a fiscally conservative group.

Rutte once heard Macron tell him “you’re becoming more like us” and that they are now becoming “more like you”, according to a diplomatic familiar with the exchange.

The five top diplomats Reuters talked to stated that Macron’s idea was being adopted by many EU nations. Once amidst talk about protecting European firms from American competitors, the capitals now see this as less of a fad. This is because Beijing and Washington have adopted aggressiveer policies.

A diplomat representing a Baltic nation said that while he seemed radical, we found some of his ideas to be quite practical.

As France is set to assume the rotating presidency in January, Brexit has also impacted the dynamics of the bloc.

The diplomat stated that “We were able to hide behind British people, but now we have a lot to hide behind.” So we’re starting to reach out.”