French President proposes formation of ‘European Political Community‘ -

Strasberg: French President Emmanuel Macron proposed the formation of the ‘European Political Community’ as an independent agency by saying that the European Union cannot be the only organisation of the European countries. He also indicated that the agency would participate from democratic European countries and establish cooperation in various sectors. The French President also warned that this agency would not be a gateway for entry into the European Union. At the same time, Macron claimed that it could take decades for Ukraine to be approved as a member of the European Union.

During his speech addressing the European Parliament in Strasberg, the French President raised the issue of approving the membership of Ukraine and the other countries. Macron said that the rules for approving a country as a member of the Union are very complicated. The French President indicated the new agency saying, ‘But the rules cannot be changed to approve membership of a new country. Instead, an alternative agency could be established. The countries that have opted out of the Union also could be included in this agency. But this agency is not a gateway into the Union.’

Macron has named that new agency ‘European Political Community. The French President claimed that this agency would work to improve cooperation among the democratic countries in Europe in diplomatic, economic, defence, energy and investment sectors. At the same time, he said that amendments are needed to the agreement, which is the foundation of the European Union. Macron claimed ‘Given the unity and ambitions of the Union, this cannot be the only organisation representing the European countries. Therefore, building an alternative agency becomes our responsibility.’

The French President pointed out ‘We all are aware that, if Ukraine is awarded that status of a candidate for entry into the European Union, in the next few days, it may take years of maybe decades to complete the process of including Ukraine into the Union.’ Along with Ukraine, countries like Georgia and Moldova have also started to join the Union. Turkey is vying for Union membership for the last many years. But it has been revealed that the Turkish moves face opposition from some of the Union members.

Following the exit of a leading country like Great Britain from the Union, claims were being made that some other countries were also contemplating leaving the Union. These include countries like Italy, Austria and Poland. Although the concerned countries have dismissed the claims made by the Union, there still are political organisations and campaigns on the EU Exit issue in these countries. Against this background, leading countries like France and Germany are presenting various schemes and proposals to maintain the unity of the Union. The Macron proposal is a part of the same efforts.