History

After the Second World War which put an end to centuries of internal struggles on the European continent, the total destruction and the millions of lives lost made realize that the solution could only be found in peaceful understanding between the European nations.

The French and German post World War II leaders understood the necessity to foster friendship relations between them ; this resulted in the Elysée Treaty in 1963. Konrad Adenauer and General De Gaulle were the driving forces behind this reconciliation. The treaty already included cooperation in the defence domain.

In 1989 a further step in French German defence cooperation was realized with the creation of the French German Brigade (5.000 soldiers) based in Müllheim (Germany).

In October 1991, the French President François Mitterrand and the German Federal Chancellor Helmut Kohl, were eager to increase the visible signs of the reconciliation between France and Germany while fostering simultaneously an idea of European Defence. A few months later, May 1992 both governments decided to set up in Strasbourg a French-German Corps Headquarters, where both nations would share equally the command but also the burden. Eurocorps was born.

Shortly after, the French and German governments decided to open this headquarters to members of the Western European Union.

Eurocorps history

1992

Creation of Eurocorps by France and Germany

1993

Integration of Belgium

1993

SACEUR Agreement which puts Eurocorps at disposal of NATO

1994

Integration of Spain

1995

Full Operational Capable

1996

Integration of Luxembourg

1998

First mission abroad

2002

Certified as NATO High Readiness Force

2006

Certified and on standby NATO Response Force

2009

Implementation of the Treaty of Strasbourg

2016

Cooperation Agreement with European Union Military Staff

2016

Certified and on standby as EU Battle Group Force HQ

2017

Certified and on standby as EU Battle Group Force HQ

2020

Certified and on standby as NATO Response Force

2022

POLAND Framework Nation