"Even for an old cynic like me it's hard," says a seasoned diplomat. It's hard to see Europeans unable to translate their words into action, he continues. On Thursday, the heads of state and government, including Emmanuel Macron, will meet Thursday in Brussels to agree on the budget of the Union of 27 for the next seven years. The first major post-Brexit test for Europeans.
Because for almost three years, the 27 have been competing against agendas and ambitious projects: their response to the trauma of Brexit. This summit therefore represents an opportunity to concretize all these proposals, by giving the Union the financial means to become the climate leader or to develop the digital world of tomorrow. But this ambition collides with the frugal countries, the "frugal 4" as they are called in Brussels. The Netherlands, Denmark, Austria and Sweden, supported behind the scenes by Germany, do not want to pay more. Brexit leaves a hole in the bottom of 10 billion euros per year? "Too bad," they reply, recommending that the ambitions of the Union be adapted to its real means.
"Frank" cuts in the CAP budget
At this stage, the draft budget therefore cuts funds for the regions, defense and the common agricultural policy (CAP). The latter's credits are down 14% compared to previous years. "For the agricultural sector, the account is not there. And we cannot be satisfied with this fairly frank and violent cut", laments Jeremy Decerle, farmer and MEP LREM, at the microphone of Europe 1. He denounces a "bad signal" sent to a sector which is nevertheless asked "a lot, especially to ensure food security".
>> Find all of Europe 1's editorial newspapers in replay and podcast here
"We will further accentuate the economic difficulties on farms. The profession will not gain the attractiveness necessary to precisely renew the generations. If we miss this generation renewal, in 10 or 15, it will certainly not be very attractive to see, "he warns.
The heads of state and government arrive in Brussels on Thursday afternoon to try to reach an agreement. Far from reaching an agreement, the summit could last. "Bring a change of clothes" warned some participants.