France and Germany seal new deal as Brexit looms

France and Germany have signed a new treaty on Tuesday aimed at breathing new life into their place at the centre of the European Union.

As the UK moves to leave the EU and a rising tide of populism challenges the core liberal values of the bloc, the new treaty commits wholeheartedly to defending it.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel highlighted peace and security and backed the emergence of a European army.

French President Emmanuel Macron said the challenge was for Europe to become "a shield" against the tumults of the world.

There is rich symbolism in the signing in the German city of Aachen, which has changed hands over the centuries and is known in French as Aix-la-Chapelle.

But will it ultimately change anything?