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
Belgium–France relations Belgium–France relations Belgium–France relations refer to interstate relations between Belgium and France. Relations were established after the independence of Belgium. Both nations are great allies. Both nations have cultural similarities, both governments cooperate and Belgium has an embassy in Paris, while France has an embassy in Brussels. Both nations are members of NATO and the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie and both were founding members of the European Union. In May 2007, French President Nicolas Sarkozy visited Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt. In February 2008, Prime Minister Verhofstadt visited President Sarkozy. In feb. 2014 King Philippe and Queen Mathilde visited