The Political Dimension of the Franco-German Reconciliation: Back to June 6, 2004
For more than two years, the Franco-German relation has been blessed by profoundness, stability and an exceptional trust. This has been underlined by Gerhard Schröder's presence at the time of the commemorative ceremonies of June 6, 2004 which aroused an approval on both sides of the Rhine that was not necessarily obvious.
More than a reconcialiation between two people, the aim was to emphasize a mutual solidarity and a co-responsibility towards the future of Germany, France, and Europe.
Despite political tensions that may occur once in a while, there is now a tremendous density of links between the two countries. Yet the fresh start of January 2003 bilateral cooperation cannot disregard persisting contradictions and incoherences, whether at the Franco-German level itself or at the European one between the duo and Brussels.
This content is published in French - La dimension politique de la réconciliation : retour sur le 6 juin 2004
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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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