The night before the European Council on 23 October 2011, the two French journalists Jean Quatremer and Arnaud Leparmentier have dinner in the hotel Amigo where also the French and the Germans are lodged.

“Diner ce soir à l’hôtel Amigo avec @ArLeparmentier où résident les délégations françaises et allemandes #euro” (Jean Quatremer)

Merkel and Sarkozy return late, with Sarkozy looking tired while Merkel is smiling.

“A 23h30 retour de N. Sarkozy, visage fermé, qui monte directement dans sa chambre au 3etg. 5 mn plus tard, Angela Merkel souriante #euro” (Jean Quatremer)

Merkel is drinking wine with her advisors, apparently in a very relaxed mood, while Sarkozy is sleeping.

“A 1h15 on lève le camp: la chancelière continue à boire des coups avec cinq de ses conseillers au bar de l’hôtel. Ca se marre bien #euro” (Jean Quatremer)

For the French delegation, it almost seems like the Germans are laughing about them.

“Inépuisable la chancelière. Un membre de la délégation F: “ils doivent rire de nous” #euro” (Jean Quatremer)

Not much is expected for the Sunday summit. Will they manage to solve the crisis on a Wednesday? And will Merkel still be drinking then?

PS: Thanks to JQ & AL for sharing this little anecdote.