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On Sunday 22 January, on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Elysée Treaty, Civico Europa, the European Academy of Berlin and Make.org announced the launch of the online consultation "Looking to the Future Together". In partnership with the Franco-German University and the CCI France Allemagne, and with the financial support of the Franco-German Citizen Fund and AXA, this online consultation aims to give French and German citizens a say on the future of Franco-German cooperation for Europe.
On 22 January 1963, the signature of the Élysée Treaty by Charles de Gaulle and Konrad Adenauer substantially contributed to the reconciliation between France and Germany after the Second World War. In sixty years, Franco-German cooperation has brought the citizens of both countries closer together. It resulted in specific projects that affect the people’s daily lives.
Franco-German relations have also proven to be indispensable for Europe's resilience, in order to be able to respond collectively to the major challenges we face: climate change and energy transition, war at the EU's borders, European democracy, digital transition and defence - just to name a few. But Europe remains fragile in the face of current and future challenges, which renews the urgent need for the Franco-German responsibility. In order to define this new ambition, the voice of citizens must have a central place.
From January to April 2023, the consultation "Looking to the Future Together" invites French and German citizens to answer the question "What ideas would you like France and Germany to defend in Europe?" At the end of the consultation, Make.org will determine, on the basis of the contributions submitted in France and Germany, the common priorities to strengthen our societies.
This initiative is anchored both in a civic and institutional framework and is also supported by the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Auswärtiges Amt) and the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs.
The conclusions of this online consultation will be revealed during a major event organised on the occasion of Europe Day in May. This will bring the voice and priorities of citizens to representatives of civil society in both countries, as well as the academic world, such as public and private decision-makers. This event will also allow citizens who participated in the consultation to meet and discuss. With the relevant actors present, the concrete initiatives resulting from the consultation will be taken to build the future of Franco-German relations.