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 Synod of North America is also a member. The EEL-SFB formed in 1927 by congregations founded during the 19th century when people left the Protestant Church of Augsburg Confession of Alsace and Lorraine for doctrinal reasons. Outreach started before and after World War 2. The Synod supports francophone churches in Central Africa and is involved in leadership training in West Africa. It currently has 957 baptized members in France. 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)