Merkel, Macron Sign France-Germany Treaty, Boast of Coming 'European Army'

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German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron signed a new pact between France and Germany on Tuesday, that they promise will pave the way for the two countries to form a "European army."

The two leaders inked the Franco-German agreement in the ancient western city of Aachen, Germany, vowing to build a "common military culture" between the two nations.

In a speech during the signing ceremony, Merkel declared that the new Aachen Treaty "contributes to the creation of a European army," but warned of rising nationalism and populism in Europe.

The new accord was signed on the 56-year anniversary of the 1963 Elysee Treaty, which set the tone for the two countries' close relationship when the end of World War II also ended centuries of conflict between France and Germany.

Both Merkel and Macron have long been pushing the idea of a joint European Army for the bloc that would be part of the broader NATO alliance.

US President Donald Trump mocked both European leaders late last year by tweeting that "it was Germany in World Wars One & Two - How did that work out for France?"

Emmanuel Macron suggests building its own army to protect Europe against the U.S., China and Russia. But it was Germany in World Wars One & Two - How did that work out for France? They were starting to learn German in Paris before the U.S. came along. Pay for NATO or not!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 13, 2018

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According to the Daily Mail, Merkel in her speech also said that, as France and Germany seek closer political, economic and defense integration, they should also work on a "joint military industry."

And she warned against rising nationalism in Europe as she called for a revival of cross-border cooperation. 

"Populism and nationalism are strengthening in all of our countries," Merkel told French, German and European officials gathered in Aachen's town hall.

Citing Britain's departure from the European Union and the growing protectionist tendencies around the world, Merkel noted that globalism is going through a rocky period.

"Seventy-four years, a single human lifetime, after the end of World War II, what seems self-evident is being called into question again," she said. 

"That's why, first of all, there needs to be a new commitment toward our responsibility within the European Union, a responsibility held by Germany and France."

Her words were echoed by French President Emmanuel Macron, who noted the "growing anger" within European societies and pressure from without.

The Treaty of Aachen aims to boost cross-border cooperation along the countries' 290-mile frontier, but also improve coordination between the two nations when it comes to tackling international problems such as climate change and terrorism.

Germany and France are often described as the engine of the European Union - to the occasional annoyance of other members, who feel sidelined by the cozy relationship between Paris and Berlin.

The treaty pledges stronger economic and defense ties and restates the countries' commitment to the European Union.

But it has been heavily criticized, with many accusing the pair of signing away their countries' sovereignty.

The leader of France's National Rally, Marine Le Pen, accused Macron of "an act that borders on treason."

One of the leaders of German's far-right AfD party, Alexander Gauland, said Paris and Berlin were seeking to create a "super EU" within the European Union.

"We as populists insist that one first takes care of one's own country. But we don't want Macron to renovate his country with German money."

The French presidency defended the bid to build up the "bedrock" of the EU as being "in the service of reinforcing the European project."

Today's ceremony comes on the anniversary of a similar treaty in 1963, signed by Charles de Gaulle and Konrad Adenauer.

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The new treaty aims to strengthen the so-called the "Franco-German motor" that has been seen as the driving force behind European integration.

"We're seeing an existential crisis in terms of European integration, with Brexit and the expected strengthening of nationalists at the next European elections" in May, said Claire Demesmay, a political scientist at German research institute DGAP.

"In this context, confirming this belief in Franco-German cooperation has symbolic value," she told German public radio.

Macron took office in May 2017 promising major reforms of the EU to restore faith in its institutions and quell rising populism.

But his ideas met with only lukewarm support from Merkel and other EU leaders, and Paris and Berlin have also differed on other issues including how to tax big internet firms.

The French leader's hand has also been weakened by more than two months of domestic "yellow vest" protests. 

The treaty commits France and Germany to closer military ties, including possible joint deployments - in the event of a terror attack, for example.

The two countries could also cooperate more closely on procurement, such as the purchase or development of new tanks or fighter jets.

And it includes a "mutual defense clause" in the event of one of them being attacked, although they are already committed to this as members of NATO.

Macron sparked a row with US President Donald Trump late last year by urging Europe to reduce its military dependence on the United States, even calling for a "real European army."

RAW: German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President @EmmanuelMacron have signed a new friendship treaty in the western German city of Aachen on the 56th anniversary of the Elysee Treaty signing in Paris. pic.twitter.com/j6sT1ICVY6

— DW News (@dwnews) January 22, 2019

Macron's critics on both the far left and far right slammed the latest accord as an erosion of French sovereignty.

A wave of false rumors has spread online that Macron was going to Germany to sign away parts of French territory to Merkel and that France will agree to share its permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council with its neighbor. 

Some other European leaders have also bristled at the idea of an all-dominating "Franco-German motor."

Italy's Interior Minister Matteo Salvini has said ahead of the European Parliament elections in May that he wants to challenge Merkel and Macron's pro-European message with a eurosceptic "Italian-Polish axis."

Amid the headwinds, German magazine Spiegel Online noted that while the treaty "is full of good intentions, it lags far behind what is necessary."

"After all the crises and upheavals of recent years, Merkel and Macron have failed to rekindle the fire of European enthusiasm."

Business weekly Handelsblatt also called the contents of the treaty "timid and fainthearted."

Both the French and German leaders have seen easier times, with Germany already looking to a post-Merkel future after she announced she would step down as chancellor in 2021.

In France meanwhile, the "Yellow Vests" have forced Macron to delay some of his globalist policies.

Both leaders will speak at the signing ceremony at Aachen's historic city hall before taking part in a "citizen debate" with French and German students.