Collaboration between Germany and France
In the decades since the signing of the Élysée Treaty in 1963, the partnership between Germany and France has grown stronger, becoming the closest among any countries. This partnership is evident in various fields, from government and federal states to regions, departments, cities, municipalities, associations, schools, universities, and the people.
One of the most significant manifestations of this cooperation is the establishment of cross-border structures with France, starting in the mid-70s. These include the German-French Committee for Cross-Border Cooperation (AGZ), the Upper Rhine Conference, Upper Rhine Council, Government Commission for the Upper Rhine, and the Greater Region bodies around Saar and Moselle with France, Luxembourg, and Belgium. The AGZ, re-established in 2019 through the Aachen Treaty, brings together representatives from national governments, parliaments, federal states/regions, and cross-border associated municipalities.
The AGZ plays a crucial role in reducing barriers to living in border regions and analyzing the impacts of new regulations on these areas. The Treaty of Aachen mandates the AGZ to carry out these tasks, ensuring a smoother cross-border life for millions of people.
The close cooperation between the two countries is also reflected in a growing number of joint foreign policy initiatives. An example of this is the Franco-German Citizens' Fund, established in April 2020, which has supported over 2,000 projects for an active European civil society.
Security policy cooperation has intensified since the beginning of the Russian attack on Ukraine in February 2022. The Franco-German Defense and Security Council (FGSDC) provides a platform for exchanging views on current security policy and strategic issues.
The partnership between Germany and France is not limited to governmental bodies. It extends to the daily lives of people in border regions, benefiting from growing cooperation in various areas. This includes joint management and care of the Rhine, cross-border access to healthcare, and the first cross-border tram line between Kehl and Strasbourg.
Recent developments include discussions on the implementation of a border impact assessment in the German-French relationship. A study commissioned by the Federal Foreign Office and the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2022 provides initial answers for this possible implementation. The study, authored by the Euro-Institute in Kehl, the University of Maastricht, and the French Agency for Cross-Border Cooperation (Mission opérationnelle transfrontalière), is available in German and French.
Experts from both countries are currently discussing concrete steps for the implementation of this project. The Federal Foreign Office is examining the possibility of removing obstacles to cross-border daily life through adapted legal and administrative provisions, including exceptions ("experiment clauses").
The future of the Franco-German partnership remains bright, with both countries committed to deepening and aligning their partnership to tackle new challenges such as climate protection and digitization. The Aachen Treaty of 2019 has further strengthened this partnership, laying the foundation for a more integrated and cooperative Europe.
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