Does a Common French-German Industrial Policy Exist?
Now that industrial policies are back on the agenda, France and Germany have to agree on a precise definition of this term. Henrik Uterwedde outlines the evolution of these policies by putting them in an economic, political and social context. The author comments on the capacities of bilateral and European action and possible cooperation in the future. How can the two strongest industrial nations of Europe contribute to render European industry more competetive?
Henrik Uterwedde is assistant director of the Deutsch-französisches Institut (Dfi) in Ludwigsburg.
This content is published in French : Y a-t-il une politique industrielle commune pour la France et l'Allemagne ?
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The Study Committee on Franco-German Relations (Cerfa) was created in 1954 by an inter-governmental agreement between the Federal Republic of Germany and France, in order to raise awareness of Germany in France and analyze Franco-German relations, including in their European and international dimensions. In its conferences and seminars, which bring together experts, political leaders, senior decision-makers and representatives of civil society from both countries, Cerfa develops the Franco-German debate and stimulates political proposals. It regularly publishes studies through two collections: Cerfa notes and studies as well as Franco-German visions.
Cerfa maintains close relations with the network of German foundations and think tanks. In addition to its research and debate activities, Cerfa promotes the emergence of a new Franco-German generation through original cooperation programs. This is how in 2021-2022, Cerfa led a program on multilateralism with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation in Paris. This program is aimed at young professionals from both countries interested in the issues of multilateralism in the context of their activities. It covered a wide range of themes relating to multilateralism, such as international trade, health, human rights and migration, non-proliferation and disarmament. Previously, Cerfa had participated in the Franco-German future dialogue, co-led with the DGAP from 2007 to 2020, and supported by the Robert Bosch Foundation and the Daniel Vernet group (formerly the Franco-German Reflection Group) which was founded in 2014 upon the initiative of the Genshagen Foundation.
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