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France, Germany Renew Vows for Integration in Aachen


Wed 23 Jan 2019 | 02:11 PM
Nawal Sayed

By Nawal Sayed

CAIRO, Jan. 23 (SEE) – On the occasion of the

56th anniversary of the Elysée Treaty, on Jan. 22, President Emmanuel Macron

and Chancellor Angela Merkel, signed in Aachen, a new Franco-German treaty on

cooperation and integration.

The leaders of France and Germany met on

Tuesday to deepen a 1963 treaty of post-war reconciliation in a bid to show

that the European Union's main axis remains strong and counter growing euro-skeptic

nationalism among some other members.

German's Merkel and France's Macron signed the extension to the Elysee Treaty in the German border city of Aachen, a historical symbol of European concord, before holding a discussion with citizens.

People hold signs and balloons outside a signing of a new agreement on bilateral cooperation and integration, known as Treaty of Aachen, in Aachen, Germany, January 22, 2019. REUTERS/Thilo Schmuelgen

"We want to give an impulse to European

unity," Merkel said on Saturday.

"We are doing this because we live in

special times and because in these times we need resolute, distinct, clear,

forward-looking answers," added Merkel, noting Aachen was home

to Charlemagne, whom she dubbed "the father of Europe".

Macron noted "At a time when Europe is

threatened by nationalism, which is growing from within ... Germany and France

must assume their responsibility and show the way forward."

A general view of Aachen Town Hall, in Aachen, Germany, January 22, 2019. REUTERS/Thilo Schmuelgen

While making clear that Germany and France

remain committed to the EU and NATO defense alliance, the agreement also

signals that Berlin and Paris will combat efforts by some nationalist

politicians in Europe to erode the 28-nation EU.

"Today Europe needs a revival of faith in

the meaning of solidarity and unity, and I want to believe that enhanced

Franco-German cooperation will serve this objective," Donald Tusk, head of

the European Council that groups the EU's national governments and a former

Polish premier, said at the ceremony.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron attend a discussion with citizens, in Aachen, Germany, January 22, 2019. REUTERS/Wolfgang Rattay

Facing new challenges from

US President Donald Trump in the United States as well as EU

governments in Italy, Poland and Hungary, Merkel and Macron are keen to head

off any breakthrough for euro-skeptic parties in the European Parliament vote.

Euro-skeptic also voiced their opposition.

Alexander Gauland, leader in parliament of the

Alternative for Germany (AfD), said: "French President Macron cannot

maintain order in his own country. The nationwide protests in France are never

ending. So it is inappropriate, if this failing president imposes visions on us

for the future of Germany."

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron attend a podium discussion with citizens, in Aachen, Germany, January 22, 2019. REUTERS/Wolfgang Rattay

"The EU is now deeply pided. A

German-French special relationship will alienate us even further from the other

Europeans," he said.