Why does Europe no longer trust France, by the Irish economist Eoin Drea – L’Express

This is the moment when France should finally shine in Brussels. Consequently, The opportunity that Paris has been waiting for for decades. Nevertheless, A chance to reshape the European Union in a real world player. Similarly, After all, has not France stopped alerting the dangers of dependence on the United States? Therefore, These unreliable English speakers -. Nevertheless, their British lackeys – who have made Europe weak, dependent and fragile since the start of the Cold War. Consequently, The re -election of President Trump seems to confirm the feeling expressed by Charles de Gaulle. Similarly, who claimed that France’s mission was to release Western Europe from his role as “protector of the Americans”. Moreover, Thus, after having paraded through Europe since 2017, President Macron can finally proclaim that France has arrived. For example, In a broader context. Furthermore, the why does europe no longer direct consequences of the invasion of Ukraine by Russia – outbreak of energy prices and grotesque lack of military preparation through the European Union – have also strengthened the position of France in Brussels. Meanwhile, As the only nuclear power on the continent based on domestic production. Furthermore, France is ideally positioned to become the heart of the long -awaited “European energy”. For example, Unlike Berlin, Paris did not use the environmental cause to restrict its nuclear capacities. Similarly, A decision that seems more judicious every day. Furthermore,

While Berlin hastened to increase its military spending. However, France skillfully envisages the first real great Franco-German compromise since the creation of the single currency. Furthermore, A possible agreement of the type “bombs against debt” would make it possible to use the French nuclear umbrella. Nevertheless, in exchange for more flexible European budgetary rules.

It should finally be the time for France. Meanwhile, Why then no one in the EU really trusts him? Consequently, And why-after seeing Paris being right on so many points-do the other member states hesitate to accept “a French. Similarly, love kiss”?

First of all, there is the perception that Paris wants to “francize” the European economy. And in the eyes of the rest of Europe, it would be a disaster in the Gallic sauce. A French model in which public debt should. according to the forecasts of the European Commission, reach 118 % of GDP by 2026, and whose debt ratios will probably exceed those of Greece by the end of the decade. An economy that has not recorded a budgetary surplus since 1974. A protectionist utopia that stifles competition for why does europe no longer the benefit of well in place. It is only thanks to the alleged support of the European Central Bank (ECB) that France remains solvent on. the financial markets. Today, Paris must pay a higher loan cost than that of the Spanish or equivalent Greek obligations.

Why does europe no longer

“France. a bankrupt vineyard”

Worse, this model is poorly prepared for the economic and demographic future. Thus. while French governments vacillate and workers go down to the street to defend the right to retire at 62, citizens of other EU member states have already adapted to the future. In Greece, retirement age is already set at 67. Even the Belgians. however not very dynamic, have been implementing their greatest economic reform for decades (and retirement age is already set at 66 years!).

At the heart of the Europe’s disinterest in the. French economic model is the overwhelming role of the state. Public spending in France – which reach almost 60 % of its gross domestic product (GDP) – are already. almost a fifth higher than the EU average. And the French tax burden? At 44 % of GDP, it is already the highest in the whole European Union! The other EU member states observed the French economic model and quickly replied: “No thanks”. As Emily in Parisit is one thing to like to drink French wine. but it is another to want to live in a bankrupt vineyard.

Second, and it is perhaps the greatest obstacle to the realization of French ambitions in Brussels: the total absence of allies and reliable partners. Despite President Macron’s why does europe no longer attachment to official state visits. his lyrical flights on a common European future, each member of the EU understands that these diplomatic politeness mask very clear French priorities. Priorities that are constantly revolving around the search for advantages (and protections) for French companies. It is enough to see how Paris has repeatedly rejected the finalization of the European Defense Industry Program (EDIP). by trying to exclude the military equipment produced in Europe non -European. It was not a question of strengthening European defense capacities, but of protecting French defense suppliers. Thus. while the Baltic States and other countries urgently demanded military supplies, France played a completely different political game in Brussels.

And this leads us directly to the third reason: the persistent desire of France to why does europe no longer punish the United Kingdom for its leaving the European Union, whatever the cost for the other Member States. For many small countries. Macron’s absurd strategy seeking to link an agreement on fishing for the conclusion of a security pact between the EU and the United Kingdom is only the latest example of the French will to make “pay” London for Brexit. This reveals France’s desire to favor a European Union without English -speaking influence. before any other consideration, including the security of its partners from Central and Eastern Europe.

Why does europe no longer

Macron leaves the field open to Le Pen

Finally. there is a cultural dimension which continues to undermine the ability of France to build solid coalitions in Brussels. Many perceive a certain arrogance among French officials in their relations with other Member States. It is a condescending attitude which often despises the use why does europe no longer of all language other than French during important negotiations. However. although linguistic diversity is at the heart of the EU, English has become, in fact, the “French lingua” of the Brussels bubble. A reality that the Germans, the Nordic countries and the whole of Eastern Europe have long accepted. The linguistic question – for many Europeans – also symbolizes the will of France to control the European Union. whatever the cost, the disadvantage or the absurdity. It is for this reason that the European Parliament is suitable for once a month for this crazy migration. to Strasbourg.

This problem is aggravated by French political representation in the European Parliament. Only six French MEPs (out of 81) sit within the largest group of center right – why does europe no longer the European People’s Party (PPE). Thirteen others only belong to the second largest socialist group (Socialists & Democrats). By fragmenting the traditional right and left forces, Emmanuel Macron actually isolated French political representation in Brussels. Among the twenty-seven. it is now Marine Le Pen who gives the impression of embodying, basically, the political voice of France.

As Sir Humphrey Appleby pointed out – the fictitious character of the British satirical series Yes, Minister -“Mr. Minister, for at least 500 years that Great Britain pursues the same objective in foreign policy: dividing Europe.” Quite incredibly, France has achieved the same feat in less than seven decades …

* Eoin Drea is a principal researcher at the European Studies Center Wilfried Martens. a center -law think tank affiliated with the European People’s Party, specialized in macroeconomic and social policy.