France–Germany relations of the further integration of the EU. They are sometimes described as the "twin engine" or "core countries" pushing for moves. A tram straddling the Franco-German border, across the river Rhine from Strasbourg to Kehl, was inaugurated on the 28th of April 2017 symbolising the strength of relation between the two countries. Both France and Germany track their history back to the time of Charlemagne, whose vast empire included most of the area of both modern-day France and Germany – as well as the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia, and northern Italy. The death of Charlemagne's son Louis the
Evangelical Lutheran Church – Synod of France and Belgium Evangelical Lutheran Church – Synod of France and Belgium For logistical reasons in 2008, the Evangelical Lutheran Church - Synod of France and Belgium divided into two separate synods: the Evangelical Lutheran Church - Synod of France, (, or EEL-SF) and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Belgium, (Evangelisch-Lutherse Kerk in België, or ELKB). Both are confessional Lutheran church bodies in France and in Belgium respectively. Over a dozen parishes belong to the two synods. Both the EEL-SF and ELKB are members of the European Lutheran Conference. They are also members of the International Lutheran Council, of which the Lutheran Church–Missouri