Germany and France finalize the Treaty of Aachen, a significant agreement forging a closer European partnership
The Aachen Treaty, set to be signed by Chancellor Angela Merkel and President Emmanuel Macron in Aachen on January 22, 2019, aims to strengthen the relationship between Germany and France and pave the way for a more integrated Europe.
The treaty, which will coexist with the Elysee Treaty of 1963, will focus on concrete improvements for the daily lives of citizens, particularly in border regions. Local stakeholders will be given room to go beyond the existing forms of cross-border cooperation, with a focus on areas such as kindergartens, healthcare, schools, vocational training, job placement, and infrastructure projects.
The Aachen Treaty also emphasises cooperation and integration in various other areas, including foreign and security policy, future topics, culture and education, cross-border cooperation, and the United Nations. With the treaty, Germany and France aim to stand up for a rules-based order, a strong, capable Europe, and a peaceful world.
One of the key features of the Aachen Treaty is the establishment of a Franco-German Future Council. This council will serve as a dialogue forum and interface between politics, business, research, and civil society to develop joint responses to new challenges or regulatory needs.
The German Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul, who has been serving as the Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs since May 6, 2025, stated that the new Franco-German treaty looks towards the future. The treaty aims to ensure Germany and France are equipped for the future, and solutions found for the daily life in the border region under the Aachen Treaty can serve as a model for European integration.
The Federal Cabinet approved the signing of the Aachen Treaty between Germany and France on January 9, 2019. With the treaty, Germany and France hope to stand up for a shared future, and the Aachen Treaty will intensify cooperation between the two nations in various ways, setting a positive example for the rest of Europe.
