Franco-German Reconciliation and its Impact on EU Integration

Abstract

Europe is a melting pot of diverse cultures, civilizations and amalgamation of various ethnicities. It is a land which faced many catastrophes, high intensity conflicts and wars. Two world wars have been fought on this land. Almost all the major nations participated directly or indirectly at massive scale. France and Germany being neighbouring countries, having the status of two major nations of central Europe having a long history of rivalry and antagonism. Franco-German axis is terms to explain the relations of both the countries in the context of their mutual cooperation and their significant role in contemporary political affairs of Europe. Post war era 1945, congenial atmosphere of synchronization between both the countries replaced three century old French- German hostility. It is a fact that joint partnership of France and Germany is the most significant factor as for as the formation of European Union is concerned. In this regard, EU integration has been marked as the finest event of this century. France and Germany took a lead not only in the formation of European Union but they played a vital role in EU decision making. Franco German tandem also considered a significant stakeholder in the community enlargement and treaties development. Future role of Franco German in European Union decision making is concerned some member states of EU have their reservation or in other words they are of the view that this par is no more sustainable.