What is the state of the friendship between France and Germany?

The Elysée Treaty from January 22, 1963 formed the basis for reconciliation between the Germans and the French. On the anniversary of its signing, the DVA-Stiftung, a dependent foundation within the Robert Bosch Stiftung, and the Internationale Zentrum für Kultur- und Technikforschung (international center for cultural and technical research [IZKT]) at the University of Stuttgart have been looking back at the significance of the friendship between France and Germany. Supporting this friendship has been a key focus area for the Robert Bosch Stiftung since its founding and can be traced back to the legacy of Robert Bosch, who was involved in the reconciliation between the two peoples.

In her ceremonial address "Frankreich und Deutschland - amour fou oder Vernunftehe?" (France and Germany – amour fou or marriage of convenience?), the writer and journalist Pascale Hugues analyzed the relationship between the Germans and the French. In an interview, the Berlin-based Alsatian attested the great stability of the German-French friendship and said that cooperation between the two countries is a decisive driving force in Europe. However, she said that the price of peace was indifference, as for many people, especially the younger generation, other countries seem much more exciting than their neighboring country. She finds it shocking that clichés play a major role on both sides in challenging times, such as during the financial crisis in Greece or the current refugee debate. It is especially due to the fact that Germany and France are vital for Europe that it is now down to them to find ideas for the continent together.