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The Franco-German Defence Partnership in Europe
How does the Franco-German partnership anchor European defence integration since the 1963 Élysée Treaty?
The Franco-German Defence Partnership in Europe: The security shock of Russia’s 2022 invasion. Defence-finance analysis; 10-page sourced DFM PDF report.
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Original DFM publication · DFM Analysis report · 2025-10-01
The security shock of Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine has intensified debates on Europe’s defence capabilities, thrusting the Franco–German partnership into the spotlight. France and Germany together account for the EU’s largest military forces and defence industries.
Their bilateral cooperation – often described as the “Franco-German engine” of European integration – has historically been seen as a catalyst for deeper EU defence integration, dating back to the 1963 Élysée Treaty and subsequent initiatives like the Weimar Triangle. At the same time, each power has cultivated a distinct strategic culture.
This analysis answers: How does the Franco-German partnership anchor European defence integration since the 1963 Élysée Treaty? How do France's and Germany's largest EU militaries and defence industries cooperate bilaterally? How do their distinct strategic cultures shape joint initiatives (e.g. the Weimar Triangle)? What is the outlook for the 'Franco-German engine' after Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine?
Key takeaways
- At the same time, each power has cultivated a distinct strategic culture.
- How do their distinct strategic cultures shape joint initiatives (e.g.
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The Franco-German Defence Partnership in Europe
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FAQ
What is The Franco-German Defence Partnership in Europe?
France and Germany together account for the EU’s largest military forces and defence industries.
Why does The Franco-German Defence Partnership in Europe matter for European defence?
Their bilateral cooperation – often described as the “Franco-German engine” of European integration – has historically been seen as a catalyst for deeper EU defence integration…
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