DRAFT 07/09/2008 «THE FRENCH ROLE AS THE EU PRESIDENCY» SPECIAL LECTURE CENTRE FOR EUROPEAN STUDIES CHULALONGKORN UNIVERSITY (BANGKOK, 12 SEPTEMBER 2008) Dr. Charit Tingsabadh Director of the Centre for European Studies, Chulalongkorn University, Excellencies, Professors, Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, Sawatdee khrap! I am indeed very honoured to have been invited today at the Centre of European Studies of the Chulalongkorn University, one of the most prestigious institutions of the country, to present an overview of the challenges facing the French Presidency of the European Union. Europe was built in the interest of the European Member States and the European people. The purpose of its founders was to make war impossible between Europeans. And, over the past twenty years, we have accomplished an historical program, achieving both the European Community and the reunification of the European continent : - Europe has progressed in a decisive way towards a unified market, in almost all its dimensions : the realization of the interior market, the economic and monetary Union and the consolidation of the international role of the European Community in the areas of trade and competition. 1
- At the same time, we have seen the end of the division of Europe. The dynamics of the EU enlargement was decisive in the consolidation of peace and prosperity on the continent. As a result of these evolutions, what is the European Union today? - EU is a federative community of democratic States linked by bonds of an unknown density. - EU is however very diversified, economically and geo-politically : 27 Member States, 500 millions inhabitants, 23 different languages, economic gaps, mix of historical influences, various cultural backgrounds and political systems. The Franco- German relation, while remaining essential, has today less capacity to drive alone the enlarged Union. Consequently, the European consensus has become more difficult and the leadership is less easy to exert. The Treaty of Lisbon should close 15 years of institutional discussion and remedy the situation : whether this Treaty is adopted or not, there will probably be no more attempts to reform the European institutions for a while. - EU is seen as a positive/non aggressive international actor : my personal experience bring me to the conclusion that the external demand for EU has built CFSP and ESDP as much as the political will of the member states. In large part of the world, ACEH, Africa, Western Balkans, Caucasus the demand for EU action has pushed the EU to build up a wide range of economic, political instruments, as well as civilian and military capabilities. I do believe that the coming years will see a reinforcement of EU external and defence policy. Assuming its identity and its values, EU will succeed in using its assets to address the challenges of globalisation, while showing to its own public opinion that it defends the interests of the European people and its members states as well. Ladies and gentlemen, 2
These European realities of today particularly relate to France and its role in Europe. On the 1st of July, France took over for six months the rotating Presidency of the European Council, to succeed Slovenia and to be followed by the Czech Republic, on the 1st of January 2009. While addressing global challenges of the 21st Century, the French Presidency has drawn up its program with the intention of responding to the chief concerns of the European citizens. In particular, it wishes to address four key priorities : energy and the climate, migration issues, agriculture, security and defence. Looking beyond these four leading policy issues, it naturally aims to make progress in all the major areas of EU action economic, financial, social and cultural and on the international stage. Let me first briefly review the main priorities of the French presidency which represent a continuation of the work carried out under the Slovene Presidency and within the wider context of the program agreed with the forthcoming Czech and Swedish Presidencies. These plans also take account of the work program of the European Commission for 2008. They have been the subject of close consultation with the European Parliament : 1- The institutional issue will be high on the agenda of the next European Council s meeting on 15th October that the French President is actively preparing, in close relations with the Irish leaders. As you know, The Lisbon Treaty should give the framework for a more efficient decision making process, introducing changes in voting rules in the Council, reducing the size of the Commission and strengthening the role of national parliaments. One of the most symbolic reforms is to create the new posts of Council President and High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. Since the outcome of the referendum held in Dublin on the 12th of June on the Lisbon Treaty, all EU-members agreed on reaffirming their definitive attachment to the Treaty of Lisbon. They also agreed on the implementation of two principles : - All European Countries, without exception, must give their vote to the Treaty of Lisbon. Today, 24 of 27 members have approved the Treaty. In Sweden and in the Czech Republic, the ratification is under normal process. 3
- Ireland, in consultation with the Presidency of the European Union, is invited to propose a way out, that would not imply the elaboration of a new treaty. 2- Environment and climate change are matters of serious concerns. Consequently, one of our main priority is to promote a sustainable development : The EU Presidency will, in particular, strive to reach a European political agreement on a climate/energy package, which will enable Europe to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 20% before 2020 and promote the development of renewable energies. This is a key feature of the exemplariness that France wants for Europe, so that the EU could reinforce its driving role and credibility in the current international negotiations on this issue, as we all look towards an ambitious, comprehensive and global agreement on climate change at the Copenhagen Conference in 2009. In this light, the Presidency intends to promote efforts to reinforce energy security, both internally (energy efficiency, establishment of a common and unified energy area, diversity of energy sources) and externally (definition of real energy partnerships with the major energy producing, consuming and transit countries). 3- In the context of the global alimentary crisis, another priority of the EU French Presidency is to improve the European Agricultural Policy. Agriculture is at the heart of the issues confronting our societies. It currently faces many challenges, including ensuring a balanced global food supplies, food security and quality, combating climate change and preserving the environmental balance. Within Europe, the agricultural policy must better encourage sustainable production, further structure the economic development within our territories, and enable markets to stabilise. It also needs to better meet the expectations of European consumers, in terms of health and safety. 4- Another objective is the conclusion of a European Pact on Immigration and Asylum. This pact will, for the first time, commit Member States and European institutions to common guidelines, based on responsibility and solidarity, for the management of migratory flows, especially in areas such as : economic migration, illegal immigration, border control and 4
asylum policy. These measures would be accompanied by new development strategies of the EU, and the establishment of a close partnership between migrants countries of origin, transit countries and countries of destination. 5- The French Presidency proposes, as another key goal, to give a renewed impetus to the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP), that is : - to update the European Security Strategy, which was adopted in 2003 ; - strengthen the military capabilities available in Europe, in order to enhance the role of the European Union as a global player in crisis management and thus to meet the expectations of our citizens and the international community ; - Develop partnerships for security : cooperation with NATO, enhancing the relationship between the EU and the UN, particularly in relation to crisis management, continuing relations with the other main partners. - Place the EU at the forefront of the fight against proliferation and terrorism : early detection, information sharing, cooperation within the EU and with third countries, strengthen the level of protection against cyber-attacks, efforts towards a ban on cluster munitions and on illegal trafficking in small arms and light weapons. Ladies and Gentlemen, this brings us to Foreign Policy issues : II) FOREIGN POLICY OF THE EU : The Presidency is keen to strengthen Europe s role in the international arena, especially renewing ties with our neighbours from the south of the Mediterranean sea and providing active diplomatic support for peaceful settlements of conflicts in the Middle East, as well as in the Eastern part of Europe. 1- We are working to create an area of stability and prosperity in the EU s surrounding areas : 5
- The French Presidency continues the accession negotiations to the EU which are already underway with Croatia and Turkey. It will confirm the European destiny of the countries of the Western Balkans, while being attentive to the consolidation of progress made recently in the stabilisation and association process. Particular attention will be paid to the stability of Kosovo, in part through the deployment of the justice, police and customs mission (EULEX). - The French Presidency launched, at the Paris summit on 13 July, the Union for the Mediterranean, which should give a new framework and new impetus to the Euro- Mediterranean dialogue, based on genuine partnership through new governance and specific projects with a regional dimension, particularly in the fields of decontaminating the Mediterranean, energy, civil protection and transport. - In the Eastern part of Europe, current events are dominated by the conflict that broke out in Georgia. As in Ukraine in 2004/2005, the EU is using its soft power to contribute to the resolution of this crisis. A six-point agreement, achieved on the basis of the French Presidency s mediation on behalf of the EU, has led to a ceasefire, improved delivery of humanitarian aid to the victims, and a substantial withdrawal of Russian military forces. This crisis has placed the relationship between the EU and Russia at a crossroads. For its part, the EU has shown willingness to engage in partnership and cooperation, in keeping with the values on which it is based, and expects Russia to honour its international commitments. The EU will remain vigilant and examine the various aspects of its relations with Russia, in particular in the run-up to the next EU-Russia summit scheduled to take place on 14 November in Nice. 2- Ladies and Gentlemen, while working for a sustainable development agenda and contributing to the integration of the less developed countries into the global economy, the French Presidency is also promoting human rights and the rule of law, particularly within the United Nations and other international bodies, in the context of the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 2008. Emphasis is being placed on combating violence against women. 6
3- The EU Presidency is also promoting trade rules based on openness and reciprocity, continuing the EU efforts for a comprehensive, ambitious and balanced outcome within the framework of the Doha round of talks, ensuring that European businesses can access the markets of countries outside the EU, and promoting fair international competition, continuing bilateral negotiation efforts and exploring a strengthening of trade relations with developed countries. At last, but not least, the EU Presidency is keen to reinforce partnerships with the various players on the international arena, with Africa, South America, the Gulf, the US and, naturally, also Asia. III) EU ASIA : Indeed, the French Presidency has the strong will to revitalise EU relations with Asia : 1- France is very much attached to the ASEM process. At the next ASEM summit, in Beijing in October, the French Presidency will devote itself to reinforcing dialogue and cooperation with the region in the political and economic spheres and on global subjects of general interest, such as human rights, energy security and combating climate change. This meeting, together with other summits and ministerial meetings, will provide an opportunity to intensify, in particular, economic, monetary and trade dialogue with countries of the region, with a view to achieving balanced relations based on reciprocity. 2- The EU considers ASEAN as the driving force of the regionalization process in Asia. Relations between the EU and ASEAN are being reinforced, on the basis of mutual respect and trust. In 2007 we celebrated the 30 th anniversary of these relations and committed to deepen our dialogue through the Nuremberg declaration. For the first time one year ago, the EU and ASEAN agreed on a common plan of action. Never before had our relationship been so close. Together with the Thai Chairmanship of ASEAN, the French Presidency of the EU intends to strengthen further this relationship, developing political dialogue, trade negotiations, and consultations on key global issues such as climate change. 7
- ASEAN is presently at a key moment of its integration process. The ASEAN Charter is to be ratified by the end of the year. It would be a great achievement, as ASEAN would be in a better position to contribute to stability, peace and security in the world. We welcome in particular the provisions regarding the establishment of a regional Human Rights mechanism. - We are encouraging the development of an ASEAN community by 2015. The EU s financial support to this project, notably concerning the setting up of a unique market, has been raised to 10 millions Euros per year for the next 7 years. This figure does not include the bilateral European development aid fund to developing countries in ASEAN, that represents 1.25 billion Euros for the period 2007-2013. The European Union is, actually, the most generous international donor to ASEAN. - We are attached to the negotiation of an ambitious Free Trade Agreement between the EU and ASEAN. The French presidency will encourage the European Commission to keep this region-to-region approach, while exploring also bilateral discussions with a few ASEAN Member States, as a way to go forward. - The EU considers as of the utmost importance the setting up of the ASEAN Community of security. Based on our cooperation in crisis management in Aceh in 2006, the EU is ready to contribute, durably and together with ASEAN, to the regional security of Asia. Two years ago, France signed the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC). The EU is also now a candidate for the accession to the TAC. We hope that the Thai Chairmanship will consolidate the efforts already made by Singapore to prepare the necessary grounds for this accession. The next ministerial meeting between the EU and ASEAN, in Phnom Penh in 2009, would be an excellent occasion for the EU to sign this important Treaty. - ASEAN has already reinforced internal cooperation in several important areas, especially regarding disaster management. The EU welcomes ASEAN efforts, together with the United Nations, to facilitate the delivery of the international humanitarian aid to Myanmar after cyclone Nargis. We would very much like to see ASEAN embrass the same voluntary approach in favour of the democratic transition and national reconciliation in Burma, as the political and human rights situation remains unacceptable in that country. 3- EU THAILAND : 8
Ladies and Gentlemen, with Thailand, the French Presidency wishes to reinforce cooperation in various fields and promote bilateral trade. - The EU is one the major trade partner of Thailand : with 9 per cent of market share, it is the third exporter to Thailand, after Japan and China, and before the US. Outside the ASEAN area, the EU is the second destination of Thai exports (14%), after the US, and the second source of Thai trade excedent. We are very keen to facilitate this trade, by concluding a Free Trade Agreement, Thailand being one of the fast-tracking countries within ASEAN. - I would also like to mention that the EU is currently negotiating a Partnership and Cooperation Agreement with Thailand. This agreement will provide quality framework for the political and technical cooperation that the EU would very much like to develop with Thailand. - Among areas of cooperation, let me mention the issue of refugees and human rights. Today, the EU is providing a financial support to the refugee camps for the 140,000 Burmese people that Thailand host on its territory. The EU is eager to assist Thai authorities in developing more sustainable refugee policies. The EU is also developing a constructive dialogue with Thailand on human rights issues : in the framework of the 60 th anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, we are going to launch in November in Bangkok, together with the Thai ministry of Justice, the EU Guidelines on Human Rights Defenders. We also encourage Thailand to continue with the ratification of all international conventions on human rights. Eu is also campaigning for the abolition of the Death penalty. - Like in all other countries, there is a close cooperation between European Ambassadors. We meet at least once a month for an exchange of views on the political situation in Thailand and a review of the overall EU relationship with Thailand. These meetings are prepared by regular meetings between our political, trade, consular and cultural officers. All these meetings reinforce our common approach towards our host country and allow us to address collectively the Thai Authorities on various issues. We regularly report to our capitals and are sometimes instructed to demarche the Thai Government on particular issues. 9
Ladies and Gentlemen, The EU is obviously a great success in many areas. At the same time, some of the hopes raised with the turning of the years 1980-1990 by the Single act and the Treaty of Maastricht were not carried out. Europe knew in particular economic performances lower than those from the United States, not to mention emerging countries The rejection of the Treaty of Lisbon by the Irish voters recalled us, once again, that, despite its successes, EU face a certain disaffection of the people, including in the States which profited most from their membership. Everywhere, the retreat of the collective spirit of Europeans and requests for the just political or economic reward, narrowly measured, are expressed. The French Presidency intends to start to correct this situation and regain the support of the public opinions to the European dream. It is probably only a beginning. Let me conclude by saying that I hope that ASEAN will benefit from the positive as well as the negative lessons of the European construction. That is to say that, in my view, the Thai chairmanship of ASEAN is right to put the people at the heart of its agenda and to ensure that ASEAN activities and policies are turned to the needs and the expectations of the ASEAN people. Thank you very much. Khop Khun mak khrap./. 10