Paris–Berlin in 2026: What Role for the Franco-German Partnership in a World in Crisis?
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The Franco-German Day on January 22nd provides an opportunity to reflect on the capabilities and limitations of the Franco-German engine: is it still able to drive Europe forward, or does it need to recalibrate and rethink its ambitions profoundly?
Five months after the Franco-German Ministerial Council of August 29th, 2025, which aimed to reaffirm a common agenda, the political, economic and strategic dynamics that were set in motion are struggling to translate into the bilateral and European agenda.
Beyond symbols and joint declarations, and in a European and international context marked by profound upheavals, despite the numerous points of convergence, there are also areas of friction which now structure Franco-German dialog: industrial and energy cooperation, European defense and transatlantic relations, trade agreements, the European Union’s governance, but also mutual perceptions of public opinion.
Speakers
Sabine Thillaye, Member of the French Parliament, Chair of the France-Germany Friendship Group in the French National Assembly
Sylvie Goulard, former minister and Member of the European Parliament, President of the Franco-German Institute in Ludwigsburg
Michaela Wiegel, Correspondent in France for the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung
Moderation: Dr. Paul Maurice, Secretary General of the Study Committee on Franco-German Relations (Cerfa), Ifri
This event is open to the public and will be held in French on the Zoom platform as part of Franco-German Day.
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Catherine NAIKER
Assistant to the Study Committee on Franco-German Relations (Cerfa), Ifri
Speakers
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Paul MAURICE
Secretary General of the Study Committee on Franco-German Relations (Cerfa), Ifri
External contributor(s)
Sabine THILLAYE, MP, Vice-Chairwoman of the National Assembly's Committee on National Defense and Armed Forces
Sylvie GOULARD, Former Minister and Member of the European Parliament, President of the Franco-German Institute in Ludwigsburg
Michaela WIEGEL, French Correspondent of Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung
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