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.