Germany - Franco-german cooperation brings tangible improvements to the lives of our fellow citizens living along the border

At the meeting of Franco-German Council of Ministers at Augustusburg Palace in Brühl on 17 July 2026, Benjamin Haddad, Minister Delegate for Europe, and his German counterpart Gunther Krichbaum welcomed the progress made since the adoption of the Toulon cross-border roadmap: “Our aim is to make Franco-German cooperation a lever for practical solutions for citizens, workers, students and businesses, and continue removing the daily obstacles that remain at the border.” True to the spirit of the Aachen Treaty, the two ministers recalled the progress made thanks to the work done with the local authorities and [other] local stakeholders.

The two ministers welcomed developments in cross-border apprenticeships and vocational training. The success of the Lauterbourg Agreement confirms young people’s interest in these career paths. “Our goal is to enable an ever-increasing number of apprentices and students to benefit from them, particularly by developing practical cross-border training courses from 2027”, said Benjamin Haddad.

The two ministers welcomed “the progress made in cross-border healthcare. The signing of the additional protocol to the MOSAR Convention on the management of strokes is an important step. We also welcome the launch within the Cross-Border Cooperation Committee of the healthcare-corridor working group.” The two ministers called for practical proposals to be put forward to continue this momentum.

In terms of mobility, the new options for booking train tickets between the SNCF and Deutsche Bahn and the development of regional cross-border train services are already making it easier for passengers to travel. Benjamin Haddad also pointed out that “the revision of EU Regulation 883 will be a significant step forward in facilitating business trips and short-term cross-border travel”.

They also welcomed the cooperation projects started in the energy-transition field, particularly around the Interreg GeoTresOR project, and work on digital twins, which will improve the management of environmental challenges and natural risks at cross-border level.

Finally, the ministers reaffirmed their desire to take better account in national and European policies of the distinctive features of border regions, particularly through the development of the “Grenzraumcheck” and the implementation of the BRIDGEforEU Regulation. They also agreed to closely coordinate their positions on future European legislation on worker mobility and transport.

In conclusion, Benjamin Haddad and Gunther Krichbaum pointed out that Franco-German cooperation brings practical results when it draws on regions and local stakeholders. They reaffirmed their commitment to keeping up this momentum in order to make citizens’ daily lives easier and strengthen Franco-German friendship and the European enterprise at grassroots level.