On January 22, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron signed an agreement to strengthen Franco-German cooperation and integration in the city of Aachen in German North Rhine-Westphalia. At the ceremony in the former capital of the empire of Charlemagne, which once united the territories of the two countries, Angela Merkel noted that the signing of the Aachen Agreement would be a “special day” for both Germany and France. In turn, Emmanuel Macron said that in the history of these states "a new chapter is beginning."

“At a time when Europe is threatened by nationalism, when Europe is experiencing painful breaks, when Europe is concerned about major changes in the world that go beyond the national framework - climate, information technology, terrorism, migration ... in this world and in this Europe, Germany and France should to take responsibility and raise a voice is the voice of ambition, real sovereignty, protection of people, ”RIA Novosti news agency quoted the President of France.

The official title of the document, the signing of which was initiated by the authorities of both countries at the beginning of last year, is the “Agreement between the French Republic and the Federal Republic of Germany on Franco-German cooperation and integration”. The text of the agreement was published by the official departments of the two countries a few days before the solemn ceremony in Aachen.

Union update

The new Franco-German agreement notes that this document complements and develops the ideas of the historic Treaty of Elysées, signed 56 years ago (January 22, 1963) by French President Charles de Gaulle and the German Chancellor Conrad Adenauer. Then this event became a symbol of historical reconciliation between countries that have repeatedly entered into military conflicts, including in the last hundred years.

  • Charles de Gaulle and Conrad Adenauer sign the Treaty of Elysée
  • AFP

As noted in an interview with RT by the leading researcher of the Department of Social and Political Studies of the Institute of Europe, RAS, Sergei Fedorov, the Aachen Agreement was a continuation of other, more modern documents.

"In many ways, this agreement stems from the Meseberg Declaration, signed by Merkel and Macron in June of last year, which, in turn, absorbed the main provisions of the European Macron project, though in a reduced version," the political analyst said RT.

Earlier, the French leader has repeatedly declared his commitment to the idea of ​​strengthening European integration.

In the Aachen Treaty, bilateral cooperation within the framework of the European Union is also in first place. Berlin and Paris pledged to help strengthen European integration and deepen the economic and monetary union within the EU.

However, in the field of bilateral relations, both states aim at creating a special “Franco-German economic zone with common rules”. For the harmonization of economic policy will be responsible, including the "Franco-German Economic Council of Experts," established in accordance with the Treaty of Aachen. This institute will advise the governments of the two countries.

In the new agreement between Berlin and Paris, serious attention is also paid to foreign policy and defense issues. In particular, the general priority is Germany’s obtaining the status of a permanent member of the UN Security Council. In addition, the countries agreed to maximally coordinate their positions within the framework of the United Nations.

In addition, the interstate agreement provides for the creation of a common Franco-German Defense and Security Council. This organization will monitor the implementation of the following obligations: the integration of the military-industrial complex of the two countries, constant contacts between military departments, the creation of new French-German mixed brigades. One such formation after 1992 became the basis of the Eurocorpus - the union of the EU armed forces.

In addition, the document contains a provision that virtually duplicates the 5th article of the North Atlantic Treaty and the 42nd article of the Treaty on the European Union, providing for military assistance in the event of a third country attack.

"They (the parties to the agreement. - RT) provide each other with help and support by all means available to them, including with the use of armed forces in the event of armed aggression against their territories", - emphasized in the Aachen Agreement.

Military political weight

As Angela Merkel noted, speaking in Aachen, by signing an agreement on cooperation and integration, both countries intend to contribute to the creation of a European army. In turn, Emmanuel Macron said that the duty of Paris and Berlin to create a "shield" of Europe.

“The idea of ​​creating a European army is extremely important for France, which has not parted with thoughts of its greatness,” notes Fedorov. - For this, it needs a key partner who could provide Europe with a military-political weight. And Germany, in view of its economy and France, in view of its armed forces and nuclear status, is precisely the symbiosis that can give Europe that weight in the international arena, which it clearly lacks. ”

According to the political scientist, the American factor played a serious role in the intensification of the Franco-German interaction in the field of security. The current US President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized both Macron and Merkel for their positions in the economic and political sphere, which, in his opinion, differ from the interests of the United States. In November last year, Trump promised to stop providing allied support to European allies, unless they increase defense spending to a level comparable to that of the US - at least 2% of GDP.

  • Soldier of the Franco-German Brigade
  • globallookpress.com
  • © Patrick Seeger

“The Trump factor was a cold shower for both France and Germany, which previously linked its military security exclusively to NATO,” Fedorov said in an interview with RT. - The world order is changing. This is recognized on both sides of the Rhine. Now they are forced to adapt to the situation. "

In turn, Alexander Kamkin, a leading researcher at the Center for German Studies at the Institute of Europe, RAS, said in an interview with RT that the point of the Aachen mutual defense agreement "does not negate NATO," although it emphasizes the priority of Franco-German cooperation within the alliance.

“Perhaps this is not only in the peak of NATO. This agreement testifies to the special status of Franco-German relations. And this point is intended to emphasize the unity of Germany and France, including in the security policy, ”said Kamkin.

Under fire

Despite the statements by the leaders of France and Germany that the new agreement meets the interests of both countries, the Aachen Treaty faced opposition from opposition politicians both in Berlin and Paris before signing it.

For example, on January 18, the leader of the French National Unity (former National Front. - RT ) published an emotional video message to the French, in which she accused President Macron of “treason”.

  • Marine Le Pen
  • Reuters
  • © Eric Vidal

In particular, the leader of the French nationalists criticized plans to strengthen interregional border cooperation. From her point of view, the initiative to develop bilingualism in the Franco-German border area could lead to the Germanization of Alsace - the French region, which in 1871-1919 was part of Germany. Closer economic cooperation between the bordering French and German regions, according to Le Pen, is nothing more than an attempt by Berlin to increase its influence in the lands that have long been an apple of discord between the two countries.

In addition, the politician believes that France, which has pledged to coordinate its position in the UN with the German one, thereby "removes itself from the circle of great powers." However, the representative of the German government, Stefan Seibert, called all the accusations of Le Pen "completely unfounded."

The leader of the Left Unconquered France movement, Jean-Luc Melenchon, in turn, is concerned about plans to bring the economies of France and Germany to a common denominator. According to him, this may lead to the infringement of the rights of the French. In Germany, a significant part of the former social guarantees to workers was eliminated in the early 2000s, while similar reforms in France, started under President Macron last year, caused a mass protest and were still far from completion.

Along with the French, German Euro-skeptics also expressed their discontent. Thus, in the conservative party “Alternative for Germany”, Emmanuel Macron was accused of trying to realize his European ambitions at German expense.

In addition, in Aachen, Merkel and Macron were met by a protest action organized by the German party “The Left” and the movement “Get up” by the Bundestag deputy Sara Wagenknecht. Some protesters were wearing yellow vests.

The leaders of Germany and France set off to sign the historic agreement to the disgruntled roar of the crowd.

Political games

According to Sergei Fedorov, the conclusion of the Aachen Agreement is primarily intended to strengthen the political positions of its signatories, especially the French President Emmanuel Macron.

“The political sound of this treaty is important. Europe is in crisis. France is going through difficult times, “yellow vests” have undermined Macron’s ambitions to become Europe’s leader, ”the expert notes.

To gallery page

According to him, on the one hand, on the eve of elections to the European Parliament, which will be held in May of this year, Macron seeks to get new points, demonstrating progress in European integration. His Republic on the March movement seeks to become the leading force in the new composition of the EU legislative body. On the other hand, Berlin and Paris in general intend to suppress the growth of Euroscepticism.

“At this turning point, when Europe does not have a clear idea of ​​what scenario events will evolve, Germany and France, forming a motor of European integration, are trying to show that they are working on the further development of Europe,” says Fedorov.

At the same time, as Alexander Kamkin acknowledges, the strengthening of the Franco-German core can also lead to a “side effect” for the EU - in particular, the EU faces the prospect of turning into a conglomerate of smaller alliances of the countries “according to interests”, where “such unite with similar. " So, for example, in contrast to the alliance of France and Germany in the east of Europe, the unity of the Visegrad Group uniting Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary is growing.

According to Sergey Fedorov, we are talking about the idea of ​​“integrating different speeds”, which is becoming the main vector of development of the European Union.

“The reality is that Europe is indeed stratified,” the political analyst notes. “Apparently, the EU will develop in this direction: the core of the founders headed by the Franco-German tandem and all the rest.”