The patronage of the FGYO
To mark the 60th anniversary of the Élysée Treaty and the Treaty of Aachen, the German Federal President and the French President are assuming the patronage of the FGYO.
In this way, the two heads of state pay tribute to nearly 60 years of Franco-German cooperation. This distinction underscores once again how important the continuation of youth exchange is to a peaceful future in Europe.
‘What an honour to start the new year [2023] with the joint patronage of the two presidents! It symbolises the importance of Franco-German relations in a Europe that is growing together and provides a strong tailwind for the FGYO, its 8,000 partners and the young people of Germany and France’, Tobias Bütow and Anne Tallineau, Secretaries General of the FGYO, stated.
Since 1963, the FGYO has brought more than 9 million young people from Germany and France closer together and is committed to the friendship between the two countries.
German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier praised the work of the FGYO with the following words: ‘For many years, the Franco-German Youth Office has been making an outstandingly important contribution to deepening bilateral relations between Germany and France. Established under the auspices of the Élysée Treaties, your institution gives people an opportunity to get acquainted with and encounter one another in person among European neighbours and young people.’
French President Emmanuel Macron underscored: ‘Charles de Gaulle and Konrad Adenauer laid the cornerstone for a deep friendship between Germany and France. The work of the FGYO enriches this relationship and makes it tangible for our youth. A host of initiatives commemorate our shared history and help build a true European identity that goes beyond a culture of remembrance.’