France Urges Ambitious EU Agenda Amid Global Challenges

France Pushes for Stronger Europe

France is calling for a more unified and ambitious European Union, emphasizing the need for increased cooperation and a stronger independent voice on the global stage. Jean-Baptiste Barra Hadad, Minister Delegate in the French Foreign Ministry, stated that Europe stands at a critical juncture, facing geopolitical shifts like Russia’s war in Ukraine, potential U.S. disengagement, and trade pressures from China. He stressed that a strong, unified European message is essential to navigate these challenges effectively.

“We have a responsibility to have a strong European message and voice on the international stage,” Hadad told DW News. “And for this, France and Germany work together.” He highlighted joint efforts on competitiveness, including simplifying rules and deepening the single market, as well as protecting European industries from unfair competition.

Boosting European Defense and Ukraine Support

A key focus for France is strengthening European defense capabilities. Hadad pointed to initiatives like the 150 billion euro loan program from the European Commission for common procurement and projects. The goal is to reduce dependency on the United States and establish Europe as a significant defense actor.

“We work together on having an ambitious defense agenda for Europe,” Hadad explained. He also expressed optimism about finalizing a 90 billion euro loan for Ukraine, which is crucial for its economic and military needs. Hadad acknowledged that France and Germany do not always agree on every issue, but stressed the importance of maintaining dialogue and a shared sense of responsibility for shaping a common European agenda.

Addressing Franco-German Disagreements

Hadad addressed specific points of contention, such as the stalled FCAS fighter jet project and disagreements over the EU’s trade deal with Mercosur. Regarding the Mercosur deal, he clarified that France’s concerns stem from ensuring a level playing field for European farmers, who face stricter regulations than producers in other regions.

“We cannot say on the one hand we will put certain constraints on norms and standards on pesticide on how you produce for European farmers and then open our market to products that are produced with pesticide that are forbidden in Europe. That’s unfair competition,” he stated. He emphasized that France supports trade deals but insists on reciprocal standards and safeguards.

On the FCAS project, Hadad admitted that ambitious projects are complex but affirmed the governments’ commitment to its success. He mentioned ongoing mediation to resolve disagreements and highlighted the need to deliver on common European defense cooperation, especially as member states, including Germany, are increasing defense spending.

Enlargement as a Geopolitical Necessity

France views EU enlargement not as a threat but as a geopolitical necessity. Hadad emphasized that enlargement must remain demanding and merit-based, ensuring that new members uphold the rule of law, liberal democracy, and fight corruption.

“Enlargement is a geopolitical necessity for Europe,” he asserted. He cited the need to prevent “gray zones” within the continent from becoming targets for interference by powers like Russia and China. Hadad specifically mentioned the Western Balkans, Ukraine, and Moldova as regions that require European support for stability, security, and prosperity.

France actively supports countries like Montenegro in their reform efforts, sending experts and engaging at the highest political levels. Hadad indicated that while timelines are difficult to predict, the commitment to accompanying candidate countries through their accession process is firm.

Managing Migration and Border Security

Addressing concerns about migration, Hadad stressed the importance of strong borders and effective management. He noted that while the Schengen zone has been a significant achievement for free movement, greater efforts are needed to secure external borders and establish common migration policies.

“It’s very important if you want to be a political power to have borders and to be able to protect them,” he said. Hadad welcomed recent EU measures like the Asylum Act and the Return Regulation, which aim to streamline asylum procedures and facilitate the expulsion of illegal migrants. He believes these measures are crucial for responding to citizens’ concerns and preventing the rise of Euroscepticism.

Reforming Decision-Making Processes

The interview also touched upon the challenge of unanimity in EU decision-making, particularly in areas like foreign policy and taxation, which can slow down progress. Hadad suggested a deeper conversation about institutional reforms to improve agility.

However, he cautioned that unanimity might remain important in sensitive areas like foreign policy and defense, which are closely tied to national sovereignty. He stressed that no single country should be allowed to “weaponize” this unanimity for domestic political reasons, referencing past instances of obstruction.

Europe’s Role in a Turbulent World

Hadad acknowledged the calls from the United States, including from figures like Donald Trump, for Europe to take more responsibility for its own security. He sees this not as a negative, but as an accelerator for Europe to focus on its defense, reduce dependencies, and enhance its ability to act autonomously on the world stage.

“The consequence we have to draw from this is to do more for ourselves, to focus on our defense, on reducing our dependencies, on being able to act on our own on the world stage,” Hadad concluded. He reiterated President Macron’s long-standing vision of European sovereignty in an increasingly turbulent and violent world, emphasizing that Europe must be capable of acting independently to avoid becoming a mere bystander in global power rivalries.

Source: French Europe Minister: 'We need an ambitious agenda' | DW News (YouTube)