France and Germany's new treaty strengthens their alliance and pushes for greater European integration amid rising nationalism across the continent.

The original 1963 Élysée Treaty transformed former WWII enemies into close partners, establishing regular consultation on foreign policy matters. This partnership has been crucial in driving European integration forward.

The new treaty extension, signed January 22, 2019, deepens cooperation between France and Germany in:

• Foreign affairs
• Defense
• Internal and external security
• Economic policy
• Development initiatives

This enhanced partnership aims to strengthen Europe's ability to act independently, particularly as the UK exits the EU and the US reduces its European involvement. The treaty also supports Germany's bid for permanent UN Security Council membership, marking a dramatic shift from its post-WWII position.

Significantly, the treaty was signed in Aachen, Charlemagne's birthplace and the historic capital of the Holy Roman Empire. This location choice symbolizes the deep historical connections between France and Germany.

The agreement comes at a crucial time, as populist movements gain momentum across Europe, with nationalist leaders taking power in Italy, Austria, Poland, Hungary, and Slovakia. France and Germany view their strengthened alliance as essential to countering these anti-EU sentiments.

From a broader perspective, this treaty could accelerate European integration and potentially influence the continent's future political landscape. As The Economist noted, France and Germany remain "at the heart of the European project, guiding and dominating it."

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