France and Germany, the EU’s two most influential countries, have gone missing just when Europe needs them most.

Donald Trump will be back in the White House next month, bringing challenges on defence, Ukraine and trade, but Emmanuel Macron and Olaf Scholz have other things to worry about.

In Paris, the minority government brought in after summer snap elections is on the brink of collapse and faces a motion of no confidence after forcing through a budget without a vote.

Emmanuel Macron cannot dissolve parliament again until June. He is left with the stark choice of appointing another short-lived government or resigning.

Mr Macron retains responsibility for foreign policy but is a lame duck domestically and more master of ceremonies than master of his destiny.