#France: Paris assumed the presidency of the EU Council. There was a scandal over the use of the EU flag by far-right politicians Le Pen and Zemmur. Here are some useful data on the priorities of the French Presidency of the EU called “Relaunch, power and sense of belonging:⤵️
1) It is guided by three main priorities: a. A more sovereign Europe (better Schengen, better protection of external borders; more capable in terms of defense and security, acting for the stability and prosperity of the neighborhood, etc.); B. A new European growth model⤵️
(combining economic development with climate protection, etc.); C. A humane Europe (responding to the concerns of EU citizens, etc.); 2) The French presidency is complementary to that of the Czech Republic and Sweden, with which it forms the presidency of the “Trio” until⤵️
mid-2023. 3) France placed “Foreign Policy” at the top of the agenda, right after General Affairs. 4) The eastern dimension of EU policy is mentioned near the end of the Foreign Policy chapter. Priority is given to Africa, the Asia-Pacific region, US relations, dialogue with⤵️
Russia, China and Turkey, and the Southern Neighborhood. The eastern neighbors are only ahead of the Western Balkans (which are mentioned in the first chapter of the program). In short, the EaP region is not a high priority for the French presidency; 5) In relation to the EaP⤵️
region, France supports the implementation of the 6th EaP Summit in December 2021, focused on increasing resilience, stability and interconnectedness (for which the EU promised up to 20,000 million euros in investments). 6) France will conduct relations with my⤵️
with Russia based on 5 principles, among which are the implementation of the Minsk agreements and the development of ties with the EaP countries. Read more about the program here (in French). bit.ly/3eIlD4F
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