January 20, 2022
2 mins read

Macron presents French EU Council Presidency’s priorities to EP

Addressing the European Parliament’s (EP) plenary session in Strasbourg, France, French President Emmanuel Macron outlined the priorities of his country’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU)…reports Asian Lite News

The EU, Macron said, has the capability and resources to be a powerful actor in the international community, Xinhua news agency reported.

At the helm of the EU Council, France intends to “create together a European power of the future … an independent Europe that has given itself the means to decide its own future and not rely on the decisions of other major powers,” he said.

The French EU Council Presidency will promote and protect the values “that are being weakened,” he said, naming democracy, solidarity and respect for the rule of law.

Macron also said that the EU should add to its Charter of Fundamental Rights the protection of the environment and women’s right to abortion.

Emmanuel Macron

Macron said he wished to see the rule of law reinforced “in dialogue” in order to “convince people again who have drifted away from it.”

He said that the French Presidency would deliver on solidarity, with new texts being presented or adopted in the coming weeks on topics such as employment, gender gap in pay or the fight against discrimination.

To make sure that progress benefits all EU citizens, the bloc must face the challenges posed by climate change and the digital transition, he said.

France will push for a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and mirror measures in commercial agreements, he said. A “One Ocean” summit will be held in February to strengthen the protection of marine biodiversity, Macron recalled.

ALSO READ: Macron ‘Optimistic’ For 2022

France also wants to preserve peace through a better migration policy and better neighborly relations. Relationships with Africa, the Western Balkan countries, and Russia will be at the heart of the French presidency.

“We will continue to seek a political solution to the conflict in Ukraine,” he said, and “will ensure that Europe makes its united and strong voice heard on the question of strategic armaments.” He called for a “European proposal building a new order of security and stability.”

He also said that the EU must find a “path of trust” with the United Kingdom in a post-Brexit era.

Previous Story

Prince Andrew quits social media over sex assault case

Next Story

Antonio upbeat by peace prospects in Ethiopia

Latest from News

VPR Award Ceremony at TVM on October 1

The award was instituted by Kerala Media Academy with the support of VP Ramachandran’s family. The award contains a cash prize worth one lakh rupees, a citation, and a plaque Acclaimed journalist Shashi

GST Reform Fuels Auto Boom

Maruti Suzuki, India’s largest carmaker, also witnessed exceptional momentum. On Day 1 of the reforms, it reported over 30,000 retail sales and approximately 80,000 customer enquiries. Bookings for small cars rose by

Tejashwi claims ‘public fury’ against Bihar govt

Tejashwi Yadav’s Bihar Adhikar Yatra draws thousands, with RJD claiming growing anger over corruption, crime and unemployment, while NDA leaders tout development ahead of crucial state elections. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader

NHAI Eyes Rs 40,000 Crore

Of this, the TOT route accounted for 53 per cent of total monetisation during FY2019-FY2025. InvIT, introduced in FY2022, has steadily expanded its share, reflecting NHAI’s strategy to diversify its funding mechanisms

China on Flood Watch

Forecasts from the ministry, warned of heavy to torrential rainfall between August 9 and 11 in multiple areas, including Sichuan China’s State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters has issued a Level
Go toTop

Don't Miss

France and Morocco resume diplomatic cooperation

The Moroccan foreign minister reiterated the importance of the human

Macron eyes European ‘political community’ beyond EU

The ultimate goal, French President said, is to maintain stability