A turning point for the Community debates? The aspects of internal policy aside, the statement of François Hollande in Paris on Thursday has perhaps marked a turning point in the evolution of the EU. Instead of the criticisms and complaints about Brussels - of which several member states are in the habit - the French president has launched initiatives and spoken about the future with vigour and even some optimism. Instead of attributing the responsibility of national weaknesses to the EU, Mr Hollande expressed his confidence in the future of the European construction - proposing, in particular, the creation of an economic government of the eurozone which would meet every month under the authority of a permanent president.
The risks. Of course, this suggestion also carries dangers - it could weaken the institutions by strengthening the intergovernmental nature of EU management. Any project of this type must be carefully assessed, and what is more, Hollande launched it as a contribution from Paris ahead of the European summit next week, where it will be seen more clearly. The fact that the main innovation proposed (the economic government) would be reserved for the eurozone is not negative - a long time ago two speed Eruope constituted a reality. It is therefore positive that a big member state plans a relaunch of European activity. As to the modalities and respect of the Community method, everything still needs to be discussed.
The fact is that the French president's statement (reported in detail in the following pages) is particularly significant as France has not officially given the impression of being at the forefront in the direction of European political union - it is currently advocating a timeframe of two years for bringing it about. The evolution is evident.
Relaunch of ambitious projects. Beyond the institutional aspect, Mr Hollande's position relaunches large-scale objectives, like the European Energy Community, a project launched a few years ago by Jacques Delors and which seemed practically sidelined as it was considered so unrealistic. On this subject, neither the European Parliament nor the other Community institutions are quoted by Mr Hollande. His other suggestions were more predictable and don't constitute a surprise.
Right now, one would want the position of France to have a tangible follow up in the Community debate, and its presentation at next week's summit - as well as the discussion that will result from it - to relaunch the dynamism of European construction and confidence in its future.
(FR/transl.fl)