German-Polish Relations: Track Record and Perspectives
The birth of a ' Germano-Polish community of interests ' in Europe implies overcoming new challenges, whether it be in the form of historical debates, especially concerning the 'center against compulsions' or international security (war in Iraq, transatlantic relations) and European politics (European constitution). The Iraqi crisis, together with diverging views on transatlantic relations have widened the gap between Germany and Poland since Autumn 2002. Differences of opinion regarding the European Constitution have divided the two countries, at least for the moment.
The non-concomitance of foreign policy tradition, a sort of 'shock between civilizations', will not disappear with a compromise over the European Constitution and shall affect Germano-Polish relations and the good functioning of an enlarged European Union. The two countries do not have a strategy enabling them to construct a community of interest within the EU beyond the enlargement process. They will now have to redefine several facets of their relationship as neighbours and their common interests in Europe in an honest and friendly manner.
Germano-Polish multilateralism shall suddenly open unto multilateralism. Given the precursory role played by the Poles and the Germans before NATO enlargement regarding military cooperation and taking account of Poland's political importance for central European stability and well aware that the absence of common accord between the French and the Germans could block any future evolutions in the EU, it has once again become important to take a new look at trilateral relations ('the Weimar triangle').
This content is published in French - Les relations germano-polonaises : bilan et perspectives
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The Study Committee on Franco-German Relations (Cerfa)
The Study Committee on Franco-German Relations (Cerfa) was created in 1954 by an inter-governmental agreement between the Federal Republic of Germany and France, in order to raise awareness of Germany in France and analyze Franco-German relations, including in their European and international dimensions. In its conferences and seminars, which bring together experts, political leaders, senior decision-makers and representatives of civil society from both countries, Cerfa develops the Franco-German debate and stimulates political proposals. It regularly publishes studies through two collections: Cerfa notes and studies as well as Franco-German visions.
Cerfa maintains close relations with the network of German foundations and think tanks. In addition to its research and debate activities, Cerfa promotes the emergence of a new Franco-German generation through original cooperation programs. This is how in 2021-2022, Cerfa led a program on multilateralism with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation in Paris. This program is aimed at young professionals from both countries interested in the issues of multilateralism in the context of their activities. It covered a wide range of themes relating to multilateralism, such as international trade, health, human rights and migration, non-proliferation and disarmament. Previously, Cerfa had participated in the Franco-German future dialogue, co-led with the DGAP from 2007 to 2020, and supported by the Robert Bosch Foundation and the Daniel Vernet group (formerly the Franco-German Reflection Group) which was founded in 2014 upon the initiative of the Genshagen Foundation.
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