MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

France/Germany celebrate 50th anniversary of post-WWII reconciliation speech

Charles De Gaulle: “children of a great nation which had made great errors”.

French and German leaders have stressed they will remain committed in tackling European issues on the 50th anniversary of a post-WWII reconciliation speech. Chancellor Angela Merkel and President Francois Hollande made the pledge in the German city of Ludwigsburg.

Speaking in German there in 1962, French President Charles de Gaulle said they were “children of a great nation which had made great errors”.

The two allies are working closely to address the current Euro debt crisis.

“Less than 20 years after the most horrible global conflict, it took boldness to call for the union of our two countries which had fought against each other with such savagery,” Mr Hollande said.

“It took boldness to believe in Europe, this continent which had just torn itself apart. It took boldness to turn resentment into hope.”

France and Germany have “a very special responsibility, we form the heart of Europe”, he said.

Mr Hollande spoke of the need to “create instruments that make us stronger: a fiscal union, a banking union, a social union, a political union”.

At the end of his speech, President Hollande spoke in German addressing young people in both countries: “It is now your role to make the European dream a reality and give it a future.”

The German chancellor said the two countries ought to work together to strengthen Europe. “However great the economic challenges may be, it remains and will remain valid: We Europeans are united in the pursuit of our happiness,” Angela Merkel said.

Saturday's events were largely ceremonial, but the two leaders discussed plans by EADS and BAE Systems to merge - creating the world's largest aerospace and defence firm.

“We didn't make any decisions. Germany and France will stay in close contact on this issue,” Chancellor Merkel said.

“Of course we discussed what we still need to consider with regard to the EADS/BAE issue. We agreed that we will investigate the necessary issues intensively with the necessary care, and in agreement with the companies involved,” she said.