Europe: moving ahead despite the storm
Russia's aggression of Ukraine has disrupted timetables, fuelled concerns and jeopardised many projects. Despite the war, the resurgence of nationalism, the return of inflation and the elections, European integration has made headway, thanks to the effective and committed work of French diplomacy, which has demonstrated its determination and professionalism.
In the space of 6 months, the European Union, the only democratic group to have this courage and know how to do so, has decided to regulate the major global players in the digital sector and to subject them to European rules: a more organised market, the sanctioning of excesses, respect for privacy, less unfair competition: this is called extraterritorial law!
An agreement on the minimum wage, regulation of asylum, economic behaviour that is more respectful of rights and the environment, a carbon tax on the borders, give these achievements a course that is more in line with a genuine social model.
Better controlled illegal immigration and a confirmed right to asylum constitute a response to an emergency.
But for once, Europeans have not only made rules.
The need to organise a more effective defence of Europe has become apparent. The heads of state and government pledged in Versailles to increase their defence budgets. There can be no lasting prosperity in Europe without a strong and effective defence system.
The Russian war has accelerated the adoption of a common strategy and allowed the creation of a military tool with the establishment of an intervention force, the acceleration of cyber defence and the confirmation of our ambitions in space. It has even led to a common response to the energy crisis and the poor choices made by some Member States through a joint purchasing programme and solidarity in supplies.
Much remains to be done, but this is the first time that Europeans have really used their strength. Tough sanctions are being imposed on more than 1 200 Russian individuals and entities linked to the war. Almost €25 billion in financial aid is supporting and arming Ukraine and helping refugees.
By granting Ukraine and Moldova candidate status to the Union, the Europeans are finally making grand policy.
The Union has lagged behind in its defence, but NATO has provided it with a military response. It has mobilised its own commercial, economic and financial resources, thus demonstrating an unsuspected complementarity with the Alliance.
At the end of this six-month period, the French Presidency of the Council of the European Union can claim a positive balance sheet. A dynamic has been launched and Europeans have chosen to respond together and in unity to the surprises that the international situation has thrown at them.
If it continues its momentum and accelerates in all these areas, it will remain in the race.
