A year after the “no” to the European Constitution, can France still bring something to the European Union?
THE MINISTER – Of course! She remains a leading country and is taking initiatives: in December it was on the basis of Franco-German proposals that the 25 found an agreement on the budget. The fact that Europe is going to devote more financial resources to research and innovation is, in particular, thanks to French proposals. Another French idea: the increased funding for young people and students in the Erasmus and Leonardo programmes. Finally, Europe’s desire today to build a common energy policy is the result of a French initiative last October. Q. – But we’re not going to get a president for Europe tomorrow, are we? THE MINISTER – It would be useful for Europe to have a higher profile and talk with a single voice, but for this the existing treaties will have to be changed. Similarly, to function properly the 25-member Europe will require revamped institutions. But irrespective of the Constitution’s future, let’s look at what we can already improve with the present texts: this is wha
