The end of a beautiful relationship

Gerhard Schröder (right) shares
a special moment with Jacques Chirac
at D-Day commemorations in 2004
Photograph: Patrick Kovarik/APTears will no doubt flow down the steps of the Elysée Palace in Paris tonight when Jacques Chirac bids the first of many farewells to Gerhard Schröder, his closest ally on the world stage, writes European editor Nicholas Watt.

Days after Mr Schröder finally announced that he would stand down as Germany’s chancellor next month, Mr Chirac will host a working dinner for his old friend to discuss their mighty achievements in reshaping Europe.

With a toast for absent friends - most notably that tireless campaigner for democracy Vladimir Putin - the pair can look across France and Germany, where unemployment appears to be stuck stubbornly around 10%.