Ukraine strengthens the bonds of former foes
Britain can benefit from the 60-year anniversary of the Elysée Treaty between France and Germany
The new year has started with the same pressing economic and political challenges for our countries. There is no indication that Russia is reconsidering its ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine.
And yet there is some cause for optimism in the months ahead. The co-operation between allies, including Germany, France and the UK, has been very close. The transatlantic relationship has been strengthened. Institutions such as Nato, the EU and the G7 not only lived up to their responsibility, they will also come out of this crisis with new resolve.
Putin’s illegal war has underscored that European unity is key to counter this ruthless aggressor. Every issue allowed to divide European nations ultimately serves Russia.
A cornerstone of European unity is the Franco-german relationship. Sixty years ago, in January 1963, the Elysée Treaty was signed by Charles de Gaulle and Konrad Adenauer, the German chancellor. The accord created a fundament of friendship between former enemies. The holding of a Franco-german council of ministers for the anniversary shows the treaty is still relevant and we are also committed to developing Franco-german co-operation in education and culture. In Glasgow, the Alliance Française and the Goethe Institute share the same premises and are increasingly working together on joint cultural projects.
Today, France and Germany consider themselves the closest allies and partners on the Continent. Franco-german friendship also means contributing to European unity, sovereignty and integration as well as strengthening European and transatlantic security. The Francogerman “tandem” has always looked beyond its bilateral relationship. It has constantly tried to contribute to a broader European consensus. Sometimes labelled as an “engine” of integration, France and Germany aim at maximum inclusiveness. In a complex Europe, this partnership is complementary to broader discussions in the EU, and a tool to enhance European unity.
European nations and the EU have done well in co-ordinating support for Ukraine, not only militarily (notably through the Ukraine Defence Contact Group), but also on humanitarian issues. To give but one example: the EU has welcomed hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians who had to flee Putin’s war. They can move freely in the EU, reside where it best suits them, take up work and send their children to school and university.
It is encouraging to see how far the European and transatlantic consensus in supporting Ukraine has attracted support around the world. Russia’s aggression has been called out in international fora such as the United Nations and the G20. Even China has warned Putin not to overplay his card. The aggressor is politically isolated.
The United Kingdom is one of the key actors in the current consensus against Russian aggression. It is vital that the UK remains a close partner of the Franco-german tandem as well as the EU on such a challenging threat.
Britain’s recent participation in the first meeting of the European Political Community in Prague was another encouraging sign of close and increasing co-operation within Europe. The meeting underscored that no matter whether or not you are an EU member, we stand together when a European sovereign nation is attacked.
France and Germany wish to be the motor of European integration. So where does the UK fit in? Judging from its support for Ukraine, the UK could well be described as a close ally for broader European security, an ally that will further enhance transatlantic cohesion. We cannot let obstacles alienate us. The obstacles that still exist are small in comparison to the challenges caused by Putin’s war. One such obstacle is the implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol. An agreement would allow us to deepen cooperation in key areas.
The anniversary of the Elysée Treaty may seem far away from the UK’S priorities. But it symbolises the spirit of partnership that can inspire us to strengthen our relations – not just Franco-british or German-british but also between the UK and the EU – for our mutual benefit and to secure peace and security.