Starting January 1, 2022, France will hold the European Union Presidency for six months – the first time since 2008.

French President Emmanuel Macron intends to use this opportunity to impress upon the world that it is “essential to continue demonstrating the relevance of [action at] the European level and restore confidence in Europe’s ability to protect society’s choices in the long term and carry weight in the world.”

Let’s hope so, particularly considering the various crises on the horizon, Ukraine and Bosnia in particular. How the EU succeeds or otherwise in effectively responding to these challenges may reveal such a reassertion – or possibly a reorientation among competitors for global power.
Join the US-Europe Alliance and the Jean Monnet Association to explore the prospects for France’s coming EU Presidency.

 

Olivier Vedrine
Steering Committee, Jean Monnet Association

 

Bart Szewczyk
Non-Resident Senior Fellow, German Marshall Fund
Moderated by

 

Emeline Foster
Acting Managing Director, French-African Foundation – Paris