Europe: business or foreign policy?
(BRUSSELS2) It was at the time of the negotiations between Austria, Sweden, Norway and Finland, in the last round of negotiations, in 1994, fifteen years ago now, Jacques Delors - then President of the European Commission - recounts - in his memoirs (*) -, how the new members considered the CFSP..." Exasperated by the Austrians' and Swedes' repeated protests, I asked them if they adhered to the whole treaty, including the common foreign and security policy. I was treated to a smirk from my interlocutors and this reply: "Mr. Delors, let's get back to our business and talk business". » "I quote this remark and this episode only to show the size of the obstacles that stand in the way of even partial convergence of foreign policy." continues the French politician.
One can observe that today these three countries - Austria, Sweden, Finland - are if not the greatest militants of EU foreign policy and European Defense, at least notable contributors. Without them, the military operation in Chad would have been, if not impossible, at least more difficult to mount. And on the crisis in Gaza, and the conflict in the Middle East, these three countries are now making a significant diplomatic contribution (read: Carl Bildt (Sweden): "now it has to end" ).
Like what, we must never despair of certain European States, for example of the current presidency. Yesterday's reluctant people are today's enthusiasts... So tomorrow, the Czech Republic - today rather reticent (the word is weak) in foreign policy and European defense - will be (perhaps ) tomorrow an ardent supporter... at least after this presidency. Personally I am convinced of it (**). An ambassador to the EU told me recently "It's one of the benefits of rotating presidencies. I don't know if removing them is really a good idea".
(NGV)
(*) Jacques Delors, "Memories", Plon editions, January 2004, 25 euros.
(**) In 2002, I published a free opinion in my daily newspaper at the time, France-Soir, to go against certain preconceived ideas in the East.