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The Treaty of Aachen between Germany and France
will help strengthen the friendship that exists between the two
countries. In future they will move even closer together to address
the challenges of the 21st century.
The invited guests who will attend the official
signing of the Treaty include representatives of EU institutions and
French and German constitutional organs, as well as citizens of the
twin cities of Reims and Aachen, and representatives from the realms
of politics, culture and civil society. Following the signing of the
Treaty, the Chancellor and President Emmanuel Macron will take part
in a citizens’ dialogue that will explore "Germany and France for
Europe". They will engage in discussion with people from both
countries.
In the service of Europe
The Treaty of Aachen is a commitment to a strong,
viable, sovereign Europe. It takes the Franco-German friendship to a
new level – a friendship for the good of Europe.
This will involve even closer consultation and
coordination on European policy, a robust common foreign and
security policy and an economic area with common rules and
regulations.
The new Treaty provides for regular consultations
at all levels, in particular in the run-up to major European
meetings, to identify joint positions and foster bilateral
cooperation at government level.
For peace and security
Military cooperation will also be strengthened
under the provisions of the Treaty. The two countries are to devise
joint strategic approaches regarding the design of the European
Defence Union and within the scope of a close partnership with
Africa, as well as in the context of peace and police missions.
At global level, especially within the United
Nations and other multilateral organisations, the two countries will
also consult and coordinate even more closely in future. Together,
they will work for an international order, and for values-based and
rules-based multilateralism.
In foreign and security policy, France and Germany
are to dovetail their cooperation more closely on the basis of
existing commitments within NATO and the European Union.
With the establishment of a Franco-German Defence
and Security Council, they are to provide reciprocal assurance of
every possible support in the event of an armed attack on the
sovereign territory of either nation.
France also supports Germany’s wish for a
permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
Global challenges in view
With the Treaty of Aachen, the economic-policy
measures of the two countries will be linked in future, and the
legal framework adapted accordingly.
Joint projects in the fields of climate,
environment, health and sustainability are to be implemented swiftly
in order to make both states more viable and competitive.
Fostering exchange and encounter
The Treaty is to offer specific solutions to make
the everyday life of people living in border regions easier.
Practical cross-border projects are to facilitate dialogue,
including the establishment of joint nurseries and education
facilities, emergency and health services and new industrial
estates.
The Treaty also supports contact between French
and German civil societies in the fields of education and research.
One example is the promotion of new opportunities for encounter,
with digital services and a shared culture and media space.
Young people in particular are to benefit from
cooperation in the education and research sector, while language
learning and the reciprocal recognition of school and professional
qualifications are to bring together the younger generation in both
countries.
A common fund is also to be set up that will
encourage and support citizens’ initiatives and town twinning
schemes.
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