2022 French Presidency of the Council of the European Union

From January to June, first of a trio

France held the presidency of the Council of the European Union during the first half of 2022.[1][2] The presidency was the first of three presidencies making up a presidency trio, followed by the presidency of the Czech Republic and that of Sweden.[3]

The initial plans for the presidency included addressing the following areas: (1) civic engagement by youths, (2) defence and security, (3) environmental concerns, (4) migration reform, (5) reevaluation of the economy, (6) relations with Africa, and (7) regulation of online services.[4]

Russia initiated its full-scale invasion of Ukraine two months into the French presidency.[5][6] Two weeks later, the Versailles declaration was made in response, in which leaders of the European Union outlined plans to increase the union's energy security, boost its military defences, and build a stronger economy together.[7][8] The declaration also reaffirmed the union's support of Ukraine.[7]

Georgina Wright of Institut Montaigne commented that the presidency was generally considered a success, though some criticized the ambitions of the presidency, and others found issue with statements that French president Emmanuel Macron made regarding the Russian invasion.[9]

Gallery

  • French armed forces minister Florence Parly (center midground) and EU foreign minister Josep Borrell (center-right midground) greeting defence ministers of EU states at an informal gathering in Brest, France, on 12 January 2022
    French armed forces minister Florence Parly (center midground) and EU foreign minister Josep Borrell (center-right midground) greeting defence ministers of EU states at an informal gathering in Brest, France, on 12 January 2022
  • Parly, the next day, at a press conference for the informal gathering
    Parly, the next day, at a press conference for the informal gathering
  • French president Emmanuel Macron presenting to the European Parliament the goals and strategies planned for the French council presidency, at the hemicycle in Strasbourg, 19 January 2022
    French president Emmanuel Macron presenting to the European Parliament the goals and strategies planned for the French council presidency, at the hemicycle in Strasbourg, 19 January 2022

References

  1. ^ The presidency of the Council of the EU
  2. ^ The French Presidency of the Council of the European Union
  3. ^ The end of the French-Czech-Swedish trio: what now?
  4. ^ French Presidency of the Council of the European Union
  5. ^ Ukraine: Why do world leaders take the night train to Kyiv?
  6. ^ A New Versailles Declaration for Ukraine
  7. ^ a b European Council Meeting
  8. ^ Ukraine war gives Macron's drive for EU autonomy new impetus
  9. ^ Overall, the French EU Council Presidency was a success... but not everyone agrees
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