France is Germany’s most important partner in Europe. As European integration progressed after the Second World War, the two countries began to build close relations. They are often regarded as a model of reconciliation between two nations. In 1957, France and Germany were among the six founding members of the European Economic Community (EEC) – the core of today’s EU. Franco-German friendship was sealed in 1963 under the Élysée Treaty, which also included close relations at the level of civil society.
Photo: Bundesregierung/Schwahn
