The great 20th century political philosopher Marvin Gaye once said, “Two are enough to make a dream come true.” Will the Treaty of Aachen, signed by Chancellor Merkel and Chancellor Markon, be a dream come true for those who want to unite a European superstate? With the German Federal Government admitting that the treaty contains “designs for a European defense union,” and many other indications, we will be keeping our eyes peeled for the signing of the new Treaty of Aachen on January 22nd.
Symbolism
First, symbolism is important. The EU parliament is modelled on the Tower of Babel, so symbolism is very important. So let me start by briefly explaining the time and place chosen for the signing of this treaty.
This day marks the 56th anniversary of the Elysée Treaty of 1963. Der SpiegelThis was the culmination of four years of efforts to bring about reconciliation between the former enemies. Der Spiegel therefore:
This spectacular event finally culminated on January 22, 1963, when, under the light of the great crystal chandelier in the Murat Hall of the Élysée Palace in Paris, Konrad Adenauer and Charles de Gaulle signed the Franco-German Treaty of Friendship, which called for permanent and close cooperation in foreign policy, culture and youth issues.
The reactions of both leaders after the signing were almost typical: on the one hand, an impassioned Frenchman enthused: “I am overwhelmed and deeply grateful to have signed this treaty with the Prime Minister. There is no one in the world who does not understand the immense importance of this treaty. It not only puts an end to a long and bloody era of fighting and war, but also opens the door to a new future for Germany, France, Europe and the world!”
The cool-headed German, on the other hand, had only one thing to say: “General, you have spoken so eloquently that I have nothing to add.”
There is a deeper meaning to the location. Aachen At least 31 Holy Roman Emperor This is where his coronation took place. Called Aix-la-Chapelle in French, this city was the capital of Charlemagne, often called the “Father of Europe”, and where he died in 814.
Additionally, the site has been the site of the signing of important international treaties. Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle It was a multilateral agreement, mainly involving Britain and France. Signed in 1748, it put an end to the War of Austrian Succession, but it did not resolve serious problems or bring about a lasting peace.
More positive and perhaps more relevant is the “Aachen Compromise” of 1818, which regulated the politics of the European great powers for the next 32 years, until the peace ended with the Crimean War. A notable feature of the latter was the existence of secret protocols. Is this historical practice perhaps about to be revived?
In short, the leaders of two major continental European countries will be meeting on a day that symbolizes the post-war EU enterprise, in a place that symbolizes the creation of a past European empire. This is significant. It could herald a sudden acceleration in continental integration. With this in mind, consider next what has been said about the current content of the Treaty of Aachen.
Heading
Times He reported as follows:
Paris and Berlin herald a new era of integration
The two countries share common defense, foreign and economic policies.
of German Federal Government Its importance was summarised as follows:
Germany and France sign the Treaty of Aachen
France and Germany aim to tackle the challenges of the 21st century together through close European policy coordination, a strong common foreign and security policy, and a common regulated economic area.
Reuters It was a limited and short-sighted view.
BERLIN – France and Germany have agreed to deepen their 1963 postwar reconciliation treaty in a move to show the European Union's backbone remains strong and counter growing euroskeptic nationalism among other member states.
But they then go on to explain something more than momentary political expediency and constitutional control.
“The two countries will deepen cooperation in the areas of diplomacy, defence, external and internal security and development, and will work to strengthen Europe's capacity to act independently,” the text of the treaty seen by Reuters said.
Germany The impact is summarized as follows:
State Premier Armin Laschet (Christian Democratic Union) called the decision to sign the new friendship treaty, called the Treaty of Aachen, “an unprecedented and historic recognition of the role of North Rhine-Westphalia.” The Treaty of Aachen was born from the Elysée Treaty. Here, in the city of Charlemagne,
A look at the headlines reveals key issues: defense, economy, and foreign policy, all of which must be better integrated.
Political statements
Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said: January 9:
Both Germany and France have been clear that in order to solve the problems of the future, we need to cooperate more now, not less.
Within a yearWe have successfully negotiated an ambitious new treaty, resetting our relationship for the future.
Our goal is to improve the daily life of our people. To this end, one of our objectives is to provide concrete and practical solutions in border areas. We also want to further strengthen our joint efforts at the international level for peace and security, for example in the UN Security Council.
The European Union remains a key element of our friendship. In the Treaty of Aachen, we expressed our commitment to a strong, sustainable and sovereign Europe.
Perhaps feeling that this was not enough, he went on to announce: Longer sentences On the same day, the following was included:
And together we fight for a strong and actionable Europe, a peaceful world, and a rules-based international order.
At a time when populists are once again touting national self-interest as the way forward, we also want to send a strong message that cooperation does not lead to a loss of sovereignty, but rather makes us stronger.
Germany and France not only remain committed to the success story of European integration, but also lay the foundations for future generations to continue on this path.
Details (what little information we have)
of Reuters The report stated:
“The two countries will deepen their economic integration towards a German-French economic area with common rules,” the text of the treaty states, and also mentions calls for the harmonization of economic laws. In addition, the two countries will set up expert committees to make economic recommendations to their respective governments.
Now, I know what you are thinking: “Isn’t the EU already an economic area with common rules?” You must conclude that something different is intended here, that it is intended to eliminate even greater economic autonomy for nation states.
of German Federal Government It clearly states:
Working together for peace and security:
The new treaty will also strengthen military cooperation, including developing a joint strategic approach, including designing a European defense alliance.
So it is clear that this treaty will accelerate plans for an EU military alliance. This has been officially confirmed by the German Federal Government, and no one can say that we didn't know about it.
Interestingly, they also reveal the end of the border as a functionally significant administrative boundary.
Future-proof solutions for European integration:
Concrete, practical solutions will be provided to improve the daily lives of border residents, and local actors will have the opportunity to develop cross-border projects such as kindergartens, education facilities, emergency and medical services, and industrial parks.
So what does David Ellis's excellent study tell us about EU military integration? It starts with industrial capacity and equipment procurement. Defense News It made it clear that at least weapons for export would form part of the agreement.
COLOGNE, Germany — The German cabinet has approved a new high-level agreement with France calling for a common approach to arms exports in all joint programs.
The goal is contained in the so-called “Aachen Agreement”, which is due to be signed by French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel in the German city of Aachen on January 22.
Both the French and German parliaments intend to ratify the treaty. Same day Verify that it is signed.
Just six days later, in Charlemagne's city's Coronation Hall, Europe would be transformed.
