The strengthening of Franco-German cooperation contributes to the revival of European construction. While security and defense reforms are necessary, as well as new investments to strengthen the euro zone, it is above all essential to return to the founding principle of the European ambition: a common project at the service of its citizens.
The Presidents of the European Movement in France and Germany, Yves Bertoncini and Dr. Rainer Wend, welcome the resolutions adopted today by the German National Assembly and Bundestag on the occasion of the 55th anniversary of the Elysée Treaty. According to them, “Germany and France must, however, take greater account of their neighbors by giving the Treaty a more European dimension. Franco-German cooperation must be a driving force for consolidating European democracy and its institutions in a context of crisis; under no circumstances should these two countries ignore their neighbors or even marginalize them. »
Today, in both our countries, we must defend a pluralist and democratic society, because this is the only way to stem the advance of nationalist and populist currents.
“The Franco-German motor is essential for the revival of European construction. It must look at the world and lead all the countries of the European Union to make it more efficient, more united and more democratic,” says Yves Bertoncini.
The German and French parliaments are thus calling – and rightly so – for the launch of “citizen consultations to promote democratic and transnational cooperation”.
According to Yves Bertoncini, “our citizens have a major role to play in shaping the Union in which they wish to live. We welcome the organization of citizens’ consultations and intend to participate in the emergence of projects for a common future while reducing the dividing lines that divide Europeans. »
To ensure that these consultations do not amount to a media stunt, the bar of requirements must be set high and the population fully involved in the most representative way possible, for example by applying the principle of drawing lots – at both local and European level.
“In addition to citizen consultations, a structured political dialogue must be promoted with all social and democratic forces, including civil society actors, social partners and associations,” adds Dr. Rainer Wend.
The strengthening of Franco-German cooperation contributes to the revival of European construction. While security and defense reforms are necessary, as well as new investments to strengthen the euro zone, it is above all essential to return to the founding principle of the European ambition: a common project at the service of its citizens.
The Presidents of the European Movement in France and Germany, Yves Bertoncini and Dr. Rainer Wend, welcome the resolutions adopted today by the German National Assembly and Bundestag on the occasion of the 55th anniversary of the Elysée Treaty. According to them, “Germany and France must, however, take greater account of their neighbors by giving the Treaty a more European dimension. Franco-German cooperation must be a driving force for consolidating European democracy and its institutions in a context of crisis; under no circumstances should these two countries ignore their neighbors or even marginalize them. »
Today, in both our countries, we must defend a pluralist and democratic society, because this is the only way to stem the advance of nationalist and populist currents.
“The Franco-German motor is essential for the revival of European construction. It must look at the world and lead all the countries of the European Union to make it more efficient, more united and more democratic,” says Yves Bertoncini.
The German and French parliaments are thus calling – and rightly so – for the launch of “citizen consultations to promote democratic and transnational cooperation”.
According to Yves Bertoncini, “our citizens have a major role to play in shaping the Union in which they wish to live. We welcome the organization of citizens’ consultations and intend to participate in the emergence of projects for a common future while reducing the dividing lines that divide Europeans. »
To ensure that these consultations do not amount to a media stunt, the bar of requirements must be set high and the population fully involved in the most representative way possible, for example by applying the principle of drawing lots – at both local and European level.
“In addition to citizen consultations, a structured political dialogue must be promoted with all social and democratic forces, including civil society actors, social partners and associations,” adds Dr. Rainer Wend.