To celebrate this 70th anniversary, the conference to be held at the Ifri will look back at the milestones in Franco-German relations and European integration that have marked the Cerfa since its creation.

As we enter a more difficult period for France and Germany in Europe, we look back at both countries’ role in international relations, the evolution of economic systems and the consequences of these changes on political and social models, with governments weakened by the rise of populism.

Against this backdrop, what role can Franco-German relations play? While the two countries are the driving force behind the European construction, they need to redefine their framework of action as the EU has expanded and European institutions have become more powerful. At a time when Central and Eastern European countries are gaining traction with the return of war to Europe, we also need to consider the prospects for Franco-German relations in the political, democratic, economic, industrial and environmental spheres.

9:30 - 9:40 | Welcome

Thierry de Montbrial, Founder and President of the Ifri

9:40 - 10:00 | Opening remarks

H.E. Stephan Steinlein, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to France and Monaco

Paul Maurice, Secretary General of the Study Committee on Franco-German Relations (Cerfa) at the Ifri

10:00 - 11:10 |  Round Table 1 - Germany and France in a context of changing international relations

Hélène-Miard Delacroix, Professor of History and Civilization of Contemporary Germany, Sorbonne University

Claire Demesmay, Visiting Professor, Alfred Grosser Research Chair, Sciences Po

Éric-André Martin, Former Secretary General of the Study Committee on Franco-German Relations (Cerfa), 2020-2024

Hans Stark, Professor of contemporary German civilization at Sorbonne University, adviser on Franco-German relations at Ifri, Former Secretary General of the Study Committee on Franco-German Relations (Cerfa), 1991-2020

Moderation: Marie Krpata, Research Fellow, Study Committee on Franco-German Relations (Cerfa) at the Ifri

11:10 - 11:20 | Break

11:20 - 12:50 | Round Table 2 - Prospects for Franco-German relations in the face of the European Union’s uncertain future

Sylvie Goulard, Former Minister and Member of the European Parliament, President of the Franco-German Institute in Ludwigsburg

Sabine Thillaye, MP, Vice-Chairwoman of the National Assembly's Committee on National Defense and Armed Forces (tbc)

Michaela Wiegel, French correspondent of Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung 

Modération: Jeanette Süß, Research Fellow, Study Committee on Franco-German Relations (Cerfa) at the Ifri

12:50 - 13:00 | Conclusion

Paul Maurice, Secretary General of the Study Committee on Franco-German Relations (Cerfa) at the Ifri

This conference will be followed by a cocktail reception.

The conference will be held in French and German, with simultaneous translation.