The Aachen Treaty renewed and deepened Franco-German cooperation on defence, foreign policy, and economic integration, building on the 1963 Élysée Treaty.
Key Facts
- Signed
- 22 January 2019
- Entered into force
- 22 January 2020
- Signing venue
- Coronation hall, Aachen City Hall
- Formal name
- Treaty on Franco-German Cooperation and Integration
- Agreement type
- Bilateral treaty
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The 1963 Élysée Treaty had long served as the foundation of Franco-German relations, but evolving challenges in European security, trade, and foreign policy created demand for a modernised framework to address 21st-century cooperation between the two countries.
On 22 January 2019, German Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron signed the Aachen Treaty in the coronation hall of the Aachen City Hall, committing Germany and France to deeper bilateral cooperation across defence, foreign policy, and economic integration.
The treaty entered into force on 22 January 2020, formalising enhanced Franco-German coordination mechanisms and signalling a renewed commitment by Europe's two largest economies to act as a joint anchor of European Union stability and integration.
Political Outcome
Bilateral agreement entered into force, deepening Franco-German cooperation in defence, foreign policy, and economic affairs.