27/08/2004 (Agence Europe) - At the annual conference of French ambassadors, French foreign minister Michel Barnier (former European Commissioner) announced the unveiling of a detailed action plan in the autumn to consolidate and expand France's influence around Europe. He reaffirmed the role of France and Germany as a motor force in Europe, noting that France must also work closely with other countries, like the UK, Italy and Spain, and new EU Member States. He said France was not strong when it was arrogant, but when it displays solidarity. At the same meeting, prime minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin is reported by AFP as saying that France must work in a much more committed fashion with Europe, attempting to understand her partners better and listening to them more. This means we must change our behaviour, he added, mentioning France's disputes with Europe and a number of problems that would have to be overcome in the future.