January 22 marked Franco-German day. The day was instituted last year when France and Germany held talks celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Elysee Treaty—a post-World War ii agreement—in the context of a uniting Europe.
Franco-German day “is an investment in our common European future,” said French President Jacques Chirac and German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder in a joint statement. It “gives schoolchildren the chance to think about the new perspectives offered by the enlargement of the European Union and about the role that the young generation in both countries can play” (www.EUobserver.com, January 22).
Schools in both countries honored the day with debates, conferences and exhibitions—encouraging French children to learn German and vice-versa.
These two nations are the driving force behind further European integration. Continue to watch for Germany and France to come together in an unprecedented level of cooperation.