Élysée Treaty
Encyclopedia
Élysée Treaty also known as the Treaty of Friendship, was concluded by Charles de Gaulle
and Konrad Adenauer
in 1963. It set the seal on reconciliation between the two countries. With it, Germany and France established a new foundation for relations that ended centuries of rivalry between them.
Among the direct consequences of the Treaty are the creation of the Franco-German Office for Youth (l'Office franco-allemand pour la jeunesse/Deutsch-Französisches Jugendwerk), the creation of Franco-German high schools, the twinning
between numerous towns, schools and French and German regions.
The first meeting between the two heads of states took place at the private home of the General de Gaulle at Colombey-les-Deux-Églises
in September 1958. Since then, French and German heads of states have kept a strong relationship, often considered as being the engine of the European integration (see Franco-German cooperation
).
To celebrate the 40 years of the signature of the Treaty, in January 2003, new forms of bilateral coordinations between the two countries have been created. For instance the Franco-German Ministerial Council
meets twice every year. This celebration has also led to the creation for the first time of a common Franco-German History Coursebook
to be used in both countries and foster a "shared vision" of history.
Charles de Gaulle
Charles André Joseph Marie de Gaulle was a French general and statesman who led the Free French Forces during World War II. He later founded the French Fifth Republic in 1958 and served as its first President from 1959 to 1969....
and Konrad Adenauer
Konrad Adenauer
Konrad Hermann Joseph Adenauer was a German statesman. He was the chancellor of the West Germany from 1949 to 1963. He is widely recognised as a person who led his country from the ruins of World War II to a powerful and prosperous nation that had forged close relations with old enemies France,...
in 1963. It set the seal on reconciliation between the two countries. With it, Germany and France established a new foundation for relations that ended centuries of rivalry between them.
Contents of the Treaty
The treaty called for consultations between France and West Germany on all important questions and an effort to come to a common stance. Regular summits between high level officials were also established.Among the direct consequences of the Treaty are the creation of the Franco-German Office for Youth (l'Office franco-allemand pour la jeunesse/Deutsch-Französisches Jugendwerk), the creation of Franco-German high schools, the twinning
Town twinning
Twin towns and sister cities are two of many terms used to describe the cooperative agreements between towns, cities, and even counties in geographically and politically distinct areas to promote cultural and commercial ties.- Terminology :...
between numerous towns, schools and French and German regions.
The first meeting between the two heads of states took place at the private home of the General de Gaulle at Colombey-les-Deux-Églises
Colombey-les-Deux-Églises
Colombey-les-Deux-Églises is a commune in the Haute-Marne department in north-eastern France.The municipality Colombey-les-Deux-Eglises was created administratively in 1793, and it became part of the district of Chaumont and the canton Blaise. In 1801, under the name Colombey, it passed to the...
in September 1958. Since then, French and German heads of states have kept a strong relationship, often considered as being the engine of the European integration (see Franco-German cooperation
Franco-German cooperation
The relations between France and Germany is embodied in a cooperation called Franco-German Friendship . This came about after 1945, when a French-German enmity between the two countries ended....
).
To celebrate the 40 years of the signature of the Treaty, in January 2003, new forms of bilateral coordinations between the two countries have been created. For instance the Franco-German Ministerial Council
Franco-German Ministerial Council
The Franco-German Ministerial Council is the regular meeting of the ministerial cabinet of both the government of Germany and the government of France...
meets twice every year. This celebration has also led to the creation for the first time of a common Franco-German History Coursebook
Franco-German History Coursebook
"Histoire/Geschichte" is a series of Franco-German history coursebooks, published since 2006. The projects aims to create a "shared vision" between French and Germans regarding the history of Europe since the Antiquity...
to be used in both countries and foster a "shared vision" of history.