Germany, France sign treaty building on 1963 Elysee accord
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron have signed a new friendship treaty in the western German city of Aachen on the 56th anniversary of the Elysee Treaty signing in Paris. The 16-page long "Treaty of Aachen" foresees much deeper economic integration, closer cooperation in foreign policy and defense, and the design of a "European Defence Union."
- World
- AP
- Published Date: 02:21 | 22 January 2019
- Modified Date: 02:27 | 22 January 2019
Citing Britain's departure from the European Union and the growing protectionist tendencies around the world, Merkel noted that international cooperation is going through a rocky period.
"Seventy-four years, a single human lifetime, after the end of World War II, what seems self-evident is being called into question again," she said. "That's why, first of all, there needs to be a new commitment toward our responsibility within the European Union, a responsibility held by Germany and France."