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Future of Europe Visit to the Czech Republic - Interview given by Philippe Douste-Blazy, Minister of Foreign Affairs, to the “Pravo” newspaper (excerpts)
Prague, October 7, 2005
EU DRAFT CONSTITUTION REFERENDA/CONCRETE PROJECTS Q. – The European Union is in crisis after the referenda on the European Constitution in France and the Netherlands. Do you think the European Union is capable of overcoming this crisis? What does France want to do now? Can you imagine, for example, a new referendum in France on the Constitution? When?
THE MINISTER – I am certain that the European Union will emerge stronger from this, but it’s urgent to provide a response to the legitimate expectations which citizens have expressed: for a clear concrete political project. On 29 May, the French didn’t reject Europe, but expressed their fears about the way it was moving. We have to take account of this and take the time to think about and debate it in depth in order to prepare the next stages in the enlarged EU’s integration process. The priority is to put the emphasis on developing concrete projects to strengthen the European Union’s economic dynamism and capacity for innovation, and reform and adapt the common policies in order to harness them more effectively to the task of delivering a go-ahead, competitive and mutually-supportive EU. In this respect, the dialogue with the new member States is crucial. In the Czech Republic, I am conscious of being in a profoundly European country and am convinced that our excellent Franco-Czech cooperation will help lead the EU in the right direction. Q. – Two elections are scheduled to be held in France in 2007 – for the National Assembly and the presidency. Aren’t you afraid that the pre-election battles may have a negative influence on the debate and your country’s policy in European affairs?
THE MINISTER – On the contrary, I believe that elections are key opportunities for debating the issues in depth, and particularly the European project since Europe has a greater need than ever before for a political project. Let me tell you again that I am convinced that the result of the French referendum on 29 May this year on the Constitutional Treaty doesn’t mean that the French want to renounce Europe, but that, on the contrary, they want Europe to tell them clearly where it’s heading. European leaders must champion a clear and political objective for the future of the EU and help satisfy citizens’ expectations of it. (…)./.
Embassy of France in the United States - October 11, 2005
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