Rhineland-Palatinate officials have underscored the significance of cross-border cooperation with France, highlighting the daily reality of European partnership for tens of thousands of commuters, students and businesses. During a meeting of the Franco-German Committee for Cross-Border Cooperation (AGZ), Minister President Alexander Schweitzer emphasized the desire to fully leverage the potential of this collaboration to foster a robust and resilient Europe.
Agenda items at the AGZ meeting included discussions on crisis preparedness, innovative energy solutions and disaster management in the border region. Brigitte Klinkert, a representative from the Alsace region, presented a report detailing the challenges faced by residents living along the shared border. Representatives from both countries also formally signed a letter of intent to collaborate on the exchange and utilization of cartographic data.
State Secretary Heike Raab emphasized Rhineland-Palatinate’s unique and pivotal role within the broader Franco-German partnership. As the only German state participating in both the Upper Rhine and Greater Region cooperative frameworks, the region is strategically positioned to facilitate and benefit from enhanced cross-border initiatives. The AGZ, established following the 2019 Treaty of Aachen, has already facilitated key agreements, including collaborative efforts between fire departments operating in the border area.
