euro|topics - Sarkozy's plans for the future of the EU

05/12/2008

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Tema destacado del Viernes, 11. Julio 2008

Sarkozy's plans for the future of the EU

Nicolas Sarkozy delivered his inaugural speech as EU Council president to the European Parliament yesterday. He focused on the future of the Treaty of Lisbon, promising speedy negotiations with the Irish and criticising Polish President Lech Kaczyński for refusing to sign the Treaty. The address has been met with praise - and condemnation - across Europe.

La Vanguardia - España

The daily La Vanguardia detects broad support for Sarkozy's plans for the French EU Council presidency: "Sarkozy used all his skills to present a policy that will receive the support of the majority of countries and members of the European Parliament. ... This is why his remark that the only way out of the crisis was to negotiate with Dublin was applauded by the majority, which has anxiously watched the Czech Republic and Poland throw a spanner in the works of the Union. Sarkozy used the podium to admonish ... Polish President Lech Kaczyński, who has refused to sign the Treaty of Lisbon." (11/07/2008)

Rzeczpospolita - Polonia

The conservative daily Rzeczpospolita harshly criticises Nicolas Sarkozy's calls for Polish President Lech Kaczyński to ratify the EU reform treaty for moral reasons. "This clever phrase comes from a man who changed his mind about not attending the opening ceremony of the Olympics in Beijing the day before he delivered his speech in the European Parliament. ... This is the same Sarkozy who received the Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi in December last year. ... The moral character of this gesture was underpinned by a 15 billion euro contract for French firms. ... Let us be frank: in politics, and in particular in foreign policy, morals are a relative concept. And just as Sarkozy takes care of the interests of his country by cuddling up to Gadaffi and fighting for the Lisbon Treaty, Kaczyński is defending his country's interests." (11/07/2008)

Le Monde - Francia

Philippe Ricard, Strasbourg correspondent for the French newspaper Le Monde, comments in a podcast on the warm reception Nicolas Sarkozy's speech was given in the European Parliament. "It is clear that he came with the intention of seducing the MEPs. One can see that since the beginning of his French presidency Sarkozy has been trying to fortify his ties to European institutions. ... And today he came to reap the fruits of his work. He presented the four top priorities of his presidency and stressed that he ... will need the support of the MEPs. This was a very welcome speech." (10/07/2008)

The Irish Times - Irlanda

The Irish Times welcomes Nicolas Sarkozy's timetable for the implementation of the Treaty of Lisbon: "Sarkozy said he expects to propose a method and a solution to the problem by October or at the latest in December next, in co-operation with the Government. He ruled out any collective renegotiation by the other 26 member states as a result of the Irish vote. That makes it very much a matter of the assurances, clarifications and changes Ireland can secure, on the basis of which the Government might decide to hold another referendum. ... He is right to insist on a timetable for decisions by the end of the year. ... We are gradually becoming aware of the damage done to Ireland's reputation and loss of influence among political leaderships in existing and applicant states." (11/07/2008)

Carl Bildt Blog - Suecia

Sweden's Foreign Miniser Carl Bildt comments on Nicolas Sarkozy's inaugural speech as EU Council president, and the potential for EU enlargement. "It was good that he made it clear what a demanding programme we have ahead of us, and that we must not sink into an 'institutional soap opera'. But that does not stop him from thinking about enlargement. He cautiously implies how difficult it will be to admit new members without reforming the institutions. But this is true only to a certain extent. It is not impossible to continue enlargement on the basis of the Treaty of Nice - but it would be more complicated." (11/07/2008)

» de toda la revista de prensa del Viernes, 11. Julio 2008

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