France took the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union for six months on Saturday with an ambitious program, that of a "powerful" and "sovereign" Europe, which however risks being shaken by the new outbreak of Covid- 19 and the April presidential election.
At midnight, she took over from Slovenia, and will give way to the Czech Republic in the second half of the year.
Symbol of this relay, the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame cathedral, and other Parisian monuments were illuminated at the same time in blue, the color of Europe.
Director:
Olivier JUSZCZAK
Since January 1, France has assumed the presidency of the Council of the European Union for six months.
The Council of the EU represents the interests of the 27 Member States vis-à-vis the Commission and the European Parliament.
The six-monthly presidency convenes meetings of ministers, sets the agenda and conducts negotiations.
For six months, France will therefore have a significant power of influence to advance certain subjects and find compromises at 27, even if the exercise, very supervised, involves neutrality and tact.
Emmanuel Macron will not chair the summits of Heads of State and Government or European Councils - a role devolved on the Belgian Charles Michel - but he will be able to influence the discussions and intervene in the event of a crisis.
This is the 13th rotating biannual presidency held by France since 1958, and the first since 2008.
However, it risks being shaken up by the new outbreak of Covid-19 and the presidential election in April.
Symbol of this relay, the Eiffel Tower and other Parisian monuments were illuminated in blue, the color of Europe.
But the installation of the European flag under the Arc de Triomphe in Paris has also sparked a controversy.
Far-right presidential candidates Marine Le Pen and Eric Zemmour said they were "outraged" that the French flag had been replaced by that of the EU "above the tomb of the unknown soldier".
This flag nevertheless represents solidarity and union between the peoples of Europe.
It was withdrawn overnight from Saturday to Sunday in accordance with the initial program, assured the Elysee.
Other Parisian monuments will be illuminated in blue for seven days.
Thus, the Notre-Dame cathedral is also adorned with the European color.
Just like the Louvre museum!
And the Pantheon!
Dozens of other monuments will also be illuminated in blue throughout France, during the first week of January.
Notre Dame of Paris
Europe
Monument
Monument
Paris
Eiffel Tower