Status: 01/22/2023 04:11 a.m
The formal foundation for Franco-German friendship was laid 60 years ago. The entire federal government is traveling to Paris to celebrate. But it will also deal with current political problems.
In Paris, Germany and France celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Élysée Treaty. With him, on January 22, 1963, the formal foundation for Franco-German friendship was laid.
In a video message, Chancellor Olaf Scholz had previously emphasized the importance of Franco-German friendship. When the treaty was signed 60 years ago, “the Second World War unleashed by Germany was less than 20 years ago,” as the Chancellor emphasized. “The wounds were far from healed. But France reached out to the Germans for reconciliation.”
“We are still challenged together,” said Scholz. “Germany and France are friends and close partners. Today it’s about the European peace project at the turning point – about our values, which we want to preserve, defend and strengthen.”
Entire federal government arrives
The entire federal government and 140 members of the Bundestag are expected to attend the celebrations in the French capital. Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron take part in a ceremony of the parliaments of both countries at the Sorbonne University in Paris. The joint Council of Ministers meeting, which was canceled in October, is then to be held in the Élysée Palace.
Joint statement expected
The meeting will focus on the topics of economy and energy, security and defense as well as European politics. The result should be a joint declaration outlining a vision for the future of Europe. After the deliberations, Scholz and Macron want to appear together in front of the press.
Both sides emphasized in advance that the similarities and close cooperation dominated in Franco-German relations. Most recently, the impression had arisen that there was disagreement between the two countries.