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Franco-Spanish cooperation
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The governments of France and Spain cooperate in a wide array of things, of which perhaps the most important is the dispute with ETA. The ETA is fighting for an independent Basque Country, part of which is situated in the territory of France.
When Spain was led by general Francisco Franco, the French believed that ETA attacks were aimed at overthrowing the government of Franco. France therefore felt out of harm's way. However, when the attacks continued after the death of Franco, France started a collaboration with the Spanish government against ETA.
Spain and France (with Germany, Italy and United Kingdom) are members of the G5 (a group of the 5 most important countries of the European Union). Through the G5, France and Spain cooperate on the areas of defense, economic development and European Constitution.
In recent years, due to an improving economy in Spain, the balance between France and Spain have shifted somewhat. The balance has also changed because of liberalization of the Spanish society since the fall of Franco in 1975.