France took the rotating presidency of the European Union for six months on Saturday with an ambitious program, a “powerful” and “sovereign” Europe, which however risks being shaken by the new outbreak of Covid-19 and the presidential election of ‘April.
At striking midnight (11 p.m. GMT Friday), she took over from Slovenia, which had chaired the Council of the EU since July 1, and will cede its turn in the second half to the Czech Republic.
Symbol of this relay, the Eiffel Tower and the Elysee were illuminated at the same time in blue, the color of Europe. Dozens of other emblematic monuments will be displayed throughout France during the first week of January.
The Council of the EU represents the interests of the 27 member states vis-à-vis the Commission and the European Parliament. The six-monthly presidency convenes meetings of ministers, sets the agenda and conducts negotiations.
For six months, France will therefore have a significant power of influence to advance certain subjects and find compromises at 27 even if the exercise, very supervised, involves neutrality and tact.
– Berlin at the rendezvous –
President Emmanuel Macron has set the bar very high for this “PFUE” (French presidency of the EU, according to a shortcut).
“2022 must be the year of a European turning point,” he said on Friday evening during his New Year’s greetings.
It is a question of making “Europe powerful in the world, fully sovereign, free of its choices and master of its destiny”, he had unrolled on December 9.
Ambitions that he has continued to display since his election in 2017, not without straining some of his partners, especially Eastern Europeans.
He himself will not chair European summits or councils – a role devolved on the Belgian Charles Michel – but he will be able to influence the discussions and intervene in the event of a crisis.
However, the EU is at a crossroads on a series of subjects, from security in Europe – tens of thousands of Russian soldiers are massed at the gates of Ukraine – to the health crisis which once more obscures the horizon European economy.
Emmanuel Macron can count on the support of the new German Chancellor, the Social Democrat Olaf Scholz, who will chair the G7 in 2022.
In his first New Year’s address, Angela Merkel’s successor pleaded for a “more sovereign and stronger Europe”. “Our French friends can count on our support,” added the head of German diplomacy, Annalena Baerbock, in a statement to AFP.
France has set itself three priority projects for its presidency: the establishment of minimum wages throughout the EU, the regulation of digital giants and the creation of a carbon tax on products imported into Europe according to their impact. environmental.
Emmanuel Macron also advocates a reform of the Schengen area in order to better “protect the European borders” in the face of migratory crises, a subject which will be at the heart of the French presidential campaign.
– “An asset and a risk” –
He also intends to put on the table a revision of the budgetary rules – the famous Maastricht criteria – which frame European deficits in order to be able to finance more European investments and growth.
And continue to push forward in defense Europe, despite the reluctance of certain partners, concerned above all with the protection of NATO.
This is the 13th rotating biannual presidency held by France since 1958 and the first since 2008.
However, the presidential elections in May and the legislative elections in June in France will hit it head-on, reducing the time to act accordingly.
“Three months is very, very short. It will be very sporty”, observes Claire Demesmay, researcher at the Marc-Bloch center in Berlin.
The surge of the Omicron variant will also thwart the agenda of the PFUE – some 400 meetings are planned in France – at least in January when many meetings will be left behind.
The opposition denounces an instrumentalization of the “PFUE” by Emmanuel Macron, very likely candidate for his re-election even if he has so far refrained from any announcement.
“It can be an asset for the French president by allowing him to reaffirm his European commitment to his electorate, but also present a risk” if his political opponents choose to attack him head-on “on his European policy”, notes Thierry Chopin , professor of political science at the Catholic University of Lille.
France Takes the EU Helm: Can Macron’s Ambition for a ‘Powerful’ Europe Overcome Impending Challenges?
As of Saturday, France has taken over the rotating presidency of the European Union for six months, marking a crucial period for the 27-member bloc as it grapples with a resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic, escalating tensions with Russia, and an impending presidential election in April. President Emmanuel Macron has set an ambitious agenda for his country’s tenure, aiming to forge a more “powerful” and “sovereign” Europe that can stand on its own in the world. However, the task ahead won’t be easy.
Macron’s vision for a reinvigorated EU has been repeated throughout his presidency, often sparking friction with Eastern European nations. Nevertheless, this time around, he can count on crucial backing from the new German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz. In his maiden New Year’s address, Scholz echoed Macron’s sentiments, advocating for a “more sovereign and stronger Europe.” The head of German diplomacy, Annalena Baerbock, has also pledged support for France’s initiatives.
The outgoing Slovenian presidency has handed over the baton to France at a turbulent time, with Europe struggling to manage its response to the pandemic and its wider economic implications. Macron has outlined three key priorities for his presidency: implementing minimum wages across the EU, pushing for climate change mitigation, and modernizing the Schengen Area to enhance border security.
The EU’s foreign policy agenda is also brimming with contentious issues, including the simmering standoff between Ukraine and Russia. Macron’s diplomatic prowess will undoubtedly be put to the test as he navigates these complex relationships. Additionally, his own country’s presidential election looms large on the horizon, with a potential shift in leadership that could either bolster or derail his European plans.
France’s presidential ambitions will likely face stern tests in the coming months. German support will be crucial, but the diverse interests of the 27 member states will also need to be skillfully managed. With so many pressing challenges on the horizon, it remains to be seen whether Macron’s dream of a “sovereign” Europe will materialize during France’s six-month presidency.
