Bringing the French closer to Europe

Bringing the French closer to Europe

The French want to be better informed about Europe and more involved in the EU decision-making process. Many measures have been taken to this end:

Greater involvement of the French Parliament in European decision-making

 Since June 2005, each European Council has been preceded by a debate in the National Assembly and Senate.

 Since November 2005, French parliamentarians have been able to take part in sessions for heightening awareness of European issues. There have been seven visits to Brussels and Strasbourg. Over 130 parliamentarians have attended these sessions and have met the presidents of the European Commission and European Parliament as well as many European commissioners and MEPs.

 Since November 2005, under the revised article 88-4 of the French Constitution, the government has to lay a greater amount of draft European legislation before the National Assembly and Senate.

Greater dialogue between central government, local councillors and the two sides of industry

 Since January 2006, the Europe Minister has held three-monthly meetings with representatives of all the unions to present the major European issues and get their views.

 Since December 2006, European Commission proposals of interest to local authorities have been passed on to the main local councillor groups.

 On 22 March 2007, the first bi-annual meeting on Europe took place between the Local Government Minister, Europe Minister and local councillor groups.

EU studies at every level; from primary to postgraduate

 Since September, all French primary schools and collèges (for pupils aged approximately 11-15 years) have had to include lessons on the EU, including its geography, history, institutions and concrete action. The EU will be included among the subjects tested in the brevet des collèges, the final written examination sat by all collège pupils.

 In December 2005, a plan to train and support candidates seeking to make their careers in the European institutions was approved by the Interministerial Council on Europe, set up in 2005 to be a source of initatives and put forward concrete proposals which can be negotiated in the European fora. The plan includes provision of financial support for higher-education establishments preparing French candidates for the European Institutions’ open competitions and sets out ways of improving the conditions for the secondment of French experts to European institutions.

 Since Februrary 2007, a "Europe" module has been included in the timetable of the “Day of introduction to defence and the French armed forces”. Since its establishment following the end of compulsory national service in France, all French youngsters have had to attend this one-day course, with 800,000 doing so every year.

 13 February 2007 saw the launch of the first European studies course at the Ecole Nationale d’Administration, known worldwide by its acronym ENA, a competitive-entrance college which trains top civil servants, inaugurated by Mme Simone Veil, the celebrated former French government minister.

Easier public access to information on Europe via the Internet

 An Internet site providing the general public with information on Europe (www.touteleurope.fr) was launched in May 2006. Funded half and half by the European Commission and the French government, it has nearly 10,000 visits every day. Some of our partners are thinking about taking similar action in their own countries.

 "La clé de l’Europe" was put online on www.diplomatie.gouv.fr (French Foreign Ministry site) and www.touteleurope.fr in January 2007: downloadable free of charge, it gives access to the basic facts about Europe and its achievements. It is a great success.

Higher profile for Europe

 9 May 2006 saw France, at the government’s instigation, celebrate Europe Day with far greater enthusiasm than in previous years. The Eiffel Tower illuminations turned blue and dozens of choirs simultaneously sang the European anthem throughout France.

 Since January 2007, measures have been taken to raise the profile of the projects carried out with EU aid in France (e.g. urban renovation, infrastructure schemes, business incubators and training establishments). Signs showing EU aid have to be put up as soon as this exceeds €500,000 and regional Internet sites listing these projects will be going online.

 On 25 March 2007, events were held all over France to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome (full information in French on www.traitederome.fr)./.

Last updated: 30.03.2007