Yesterday in true Franco-German fashion, the two countries celebrated 60 years of Elysée Treaty. If I haven't posted anything about it, it's because as a Franco-German myself, I'm truly disappointed with how the relation is going - for years now. Let me tell you why. /1
I've had enough of "dialogue formats" and "cultural encounters". The reality is: The political relationship is strained at best; citizens couldn't care less about their neighbours; there is little funding available for cooperation; less and less people learn the language. /2
The civil society sector is heavily status-quo oriented, & anyone who wants to improve things in the slightest is sidelined. There are signs of hope though, with some 'younger' people doing great work - but it remains rather limited./3
We also have a serious generational problem: Franco-German relations are not sexy at all for young people. I have plenty of examples of how that is the case, but let's continue to pretend that everything is fine by inviting a bunch of young people for pictures. /4
On EU policy, both countries have failed to be the engine they pretend to be in the past years. Yes, there's been the recovery plan, and yes the vaccine procurements. But that's far from enough when you have so many policy fields that require serious progress. /5
Yes, there's been the Aachen Treaty to strengthen relations. But without the people behind it to make it a reality, not much will happen. Let's be honest: Who has heard of the parliamentary assembly and their role? Maybe the experts working on it, at best. /6
You might call me too harsh, but I have had enough of this well-kept illusion. I will probably not be invited to fancy expert rounds after this thread - if I ever had been. I just wish political leaders would stop pretending everything is going great when it's not./7
As I can already see people saying "be more constructive & give your recommendations" - there's been plenty of recommendations out there (e.g. progressives-zentrum.org/die-permakrise…) That said, no one does much work on 🇩🇪🇫🇷 relations these days - lack of funding & "sexiness" again. /8
The main issue remains the lack of political will. It's gotten worse with the pandemic & the war in Ukraine - you can see both countries being more "national" in their thinking, despite governments pretending to be open & pro-European. Both 🇩🇪&🇫🇷 heavily distrust each other./9
It's really time to stop pretending and start mending things. Franco-German relations deserve better than a Sunday clown show. #Rantover #Backtobookwriting /10
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