Franco-German friendship day: youth exchange in focus!

Franco-German friendship day: youth exchange in focus!

On January 21, 2025, student exchange and international cooperation will make a strong foundation for Franco-German relationships. On the occasion of the upcoming Franco-German friendship day, which will be celebrated on January 22, Angelika Glöckner, SPD member of the Bundestag and member of the board of the Franco-German parliamentary meeting, emphasized the importance of youth exchange programs. These are at the center of the annual initiatives that aim to bring young Germans and French together.

In the region, 22 schools take part in student exchange projects or similar initiatives. Recently 15 young people from the Collège Les Grands-Champ from Poissy visited the city of Pirmasens. The youth center One Pirmasens offers intercultural workshops and youth encounters on site, supported by the Franco-German Youth Work (DFJW) and the Erasmus Plus program. France Mobil also ensures that students in the Southwest Palatinate are familiarized with the French language and culture.

New ways of collaboration

The funding of the exchange programs is via Erasmus Plus and a wide range of initiatives that aim to strengthen French-German friendship. Glöckner, who was involved in the introduction of the Franco-German citizens' fund in 2020, emphasizes the diversity of the cross-border and generational initiatives. These are crucial for a united and peaceful Europe. She announces that she continues to work for Franco-German friendship and to promote cooperation.

An important instrument for improving bilateral relationships is Aachen's contract, which was signed on January 22, 2019. Chancellor Angela Merkel and President Emmanuel Macron thus laid the foundations for modern cooperation that complements the 1963 Élysée Treaty. The aim is to react better to the challenges of the 21st century, while the geopolitical framework conditions in Europe are constantly changing.

The Treaty of Aachen and the DFJW

The Aachen contract covers five central chapters: European affairs, peace, security and development, culture, education, research and mobility, regional and cross -border cooperation as well as sustainable development. The DFJW initiatives are strengthened by this contract. The DFJW not only promotes the exchange between young people, but also offers scholarships for French intensive language courses in France, which are particularly aimed at people who organize Franco-German youth encounters.

In addition, the e-learning platform PARKUR is offered to improve language skills and acquire intercultural skills. These measures help to sensitize the new generations to European cooperation. Macron and the Federal Government emphasize the mutual responsibility that will be decisive for the future of Europe.

in a Europe that is characterized by new challenges such as climate change, migration and digital economy, strengthening Franco-German friendship is more important than ever. The war of Russia in Ukraine has put the existing relationships to the test and requires new approaches. It remains to be seen how these friendships will continue to develop.