‘Happy birthday, Konrad! Thanks, Charles!’ On 23 January 1993, French cartoonist Plantu illustrates the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Élysée Treaty. French President François Mitterrand (on the left) wishes German Chancellor Helmut Kohl a happy birthday. The two leaders call each other by the names of their illustrious predecessors who signed the treaty in 1963. The power relationship between the two countries has changed significantly over the past 30 years, as shown by the imposing stature of the German Chancellor, demonstrating the renewed influence of a reunified Germany on the international and European stage.