From war to friendship: a look at the Élysée contract

From war to friendship: a look at the Élysée contract

Lörrach, Deutschland - Manfred Brommer looks back on an eventful life that is strongly shaped by music. He has earliest memories of World War II and thinks of the grenades on the Tüllinger Berg in April 1940. During this time, his home was evacuated for four weeks and he found refuge in Hüsingen. "I was very lucky compared to other children during the war," he says with a touch of gratitude in the voice. The music helped him to keep a feeling of hope and normality through these difficult times. Among the many things that are important to him, Brommer is particularly pleased about the jumelage, the partnership between Germany and France, which is a symbol of reconciliation for him. This connection is visible in the context of the historically significant Élysée Treaty of 1963.

The Élysée Treaty, signed on January 22, 1963 by Chancellor Konrad Adenauer and the French President Charles de Gaulle, was a crucial step in the end of the centuries of “hereditary hostility” between the two countries. The contract was signed in the Salon Murat of the Élysée Palace in Paris and presented a fundamental redesign of Franco-German relationships that have been working on reconciliation since the 1950s. This partnership should not only reduce military tensions, but also promote a common European future. "The agreement represents an obligation for our successors," emphasized Adenauer and thus laid the foundation for what is considered the engine of European integration today.

The history behind the friendship

Why is this contract so important? Historically, there were repeated phases of hostile relationships between Germany and France, characterized by conflicts and the competition for power and territory. The “hereditary hostility” was often shaped by revolutionary unrest and military conflicts. After the Second World War, however, overcoming this hostility seemed possible, which was institutionalized with the Élysée Treaty. The strengthening of the cooperation not only enclosed political issues, but also areas such as education and youth, which led to numerous initiatives, such as the Franco-German youth work.

The contract also marked the beginning of regular consultations between the heads of state and government as well as the outdoor ministers of both countries. These joint meetings aim to develop a largely equal attitude in foreign policy, especially with regard to European unification. Even if there were sporadically conflicts of interest in the past, Germany and France are now considered the pioneers of EU integration.

A look into the future

"We are not just neighbors, we are partners", you could say if you look at Franco-German relationships in today's world. The Élysée Treaty remains a foundation of this friendship and is confirmed by further agreements, such as the Aachen Treaty in 2019. This recent agreement aims to deepen the cooperation in areas such as defense and culture and shows that the partnership efforts will continue to be very popular in the future.

In a Europe of diversity and change, the interracial exchange between Germany and France remains of central importance. The challenges that the two countries look forward to require a strong and reliable partnership that goes beyond political differences. Manfred Brommer, who always sets a sign of peace and communication with his music, reflects this spirit and shows how important it is to learn from history and keep the good.