| Author (Person) | Youngs, Richard |
|---|---|
| Series Title | The Conversation |
| Series Details | 04.08.17 |
| Publication Date | 04/08/2017 |
| Content Type | Journal | Series | Blog |
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Background The German Chancellor wanted to work 'closely, in a spirit of friendship and trust' with France’s new President. Angela Merkel announced that a Franco-German Council of Ministers would be held in July 2017. She also agreed with Emmanuel Macron that they should produce a joint roadmap for EU projects. At the 19th Franco-German Ministerial Council held in Paris on the 13 July 2017 Chancellor Angela Merkel stated that Germany and France intended to strengthen the European Union with their common efforts. They were aware that they must take more charge of Europe’s destiny 'and ensure our people of protection and security, as well as progress and development'.President Emmanuel Macron delivered a 'state of the nation' speech to members of the National Assembly and Senate of France at Versailles on the 3 July 2017. In the speech he outlined his ambitions for France during his Presidency, in which he sought a 'profound transformation' of France'. He also turned to the challenges facing the European Union. He suggested that national governments organise conventions in the form of national debates to discuss the EU’s future priorities and suggest ways to 'relaunch' the union. These democractic conventions (or national public debates) should begin towards the end of 2017. Governments would then report back to the EU from their respective national conventions and member states would then work their conclusions into a five-year EU reform plan. The author suggests that Macron’s idea was interesting and potentially very important. It resonated with recent debates about democratising Brussels. Many believed a more participative process could help the EU grapple with multiple problems, not least its legitimacy crisis. However, promising to hold public consultations was a high-risk strategy. It would raise expectations among EU citizens. The worst outcome would be for governments to hold the conventions and then not to take on board the suggestions and concerns that emerge from the deliberations. |
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| Source Link | https://theconversation.com/can-emmanuel-macrons-big-gamble-to-save-the-eu-really-pay-off-81980 |
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| Subject Categories | Politics and International Relations |
| Countries / Regions | France |
