Bilateral treaties
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Introduction
Bilateral treaties such as the Aachen Treaty (2019) and the Quirinal Treaty (2021) play a key role in the development of cross-border cooperation between France and its neighbours. Their goal: to strengthen shared governance by establishing institutional mechanisms for coordinating cross-border issues and resolving obstacles encountered at the border.
The creation of bilateral mechanisms makes it possible both to deal with issues that can be resolved locally and to escalate unresolved obstacles to a higher level. To this end, these bilateral treaties have established “cross-border cooperation committees”. These are designed to address border issues, in particular by identifying and tackling cross-border obstacles.
The Franco-German Aachen Treaty (2019)
The Treaty between the French Republic and the Federal Republic of Germany on Franco-German Cooperation and Integration, known as the “Aachen Treaty” (2019), established a Franco-German Cross-Border Cooperation Committee. Adopted 56 years after the Élysée Treaty, this treaty aims to facilitate cooperation and integration between the two countries. Further information [FR]
The Franco-Italian Quirinal Treaty (2021)
The Treaty between the French Republic and the Italian Republic for a Strengthened Bilateral Cooperation, known as the “Quirinal Treaty” (2021), established a Franco-Italian Cross-Border Cooperation Committee. This treaty, comprising twelve articles, aims to strengthen European integration, to foster closer ties between citizens through youth mobility, and to structure strategic cooperation between the two countries. It is accompanied by a roadmap which “sets out the priorities and cooperation projects that the two countries intend to implement”, with a view to forging a “Franco-Italian reflex”. Further information [FR]
The Franco-Spanish Treaty of Barcelona (2023, pending ratification)
The Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between the French Republic and the Kingdom of Spain, known as the “Treaty of Barcelona” (2023), established a Franco-Spanish Cross-Border Cooperation Committee. This treaty aims to strengthen the ties of friendship and cooperation between the two states in pursuit of a common European ambition. Comprising 36 articles that set out the framework for Franco-Spanish dialogue, it includes a chapter on cross-border cooperation, notably establishing a “joint definition of a cross-border cooperation strategy”. Further information [FR]
