18 Mar Schuman Papers n°620 : European sovereignty, strategic autonomy, Europe as a power: what reality for the European Union and for what future?
France has not held the presidency of the Council of the European Union for thirteen years. It has held it since 1 January 2022 for six months. This provides an opportunity for the French Head of State to give his vision of geopolitical issues. It also provides an opportunity to explain the concepts of European sovereignty, power, autonomy and strategic responsibility. France, with Germany and the support of the institutions, has played an essential – albeit contested – role in promoting a more political Europe over the past five years (Sorbonne speech in 2017). The aim of this article is to assess five years – in terms of where we are from an economic, foreign policy and security point of view and to analyse the steps taken by the European Union to become a fullfledged player on the international scene.
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The Robert Schuman Foundation that was founded in 1991 after the fall of the Berlin Wall has been approved by the State for its services to the public; it works to promote the construction of Europe. The Foundation is a reference research centre and develops studies on the European Union and its policies, promoting the content of these in France, Europe and elsewhere in the world. It encourages, contributes to and stimulates European debate thanks to the wealth of its research, publications and the organisation of conferences.
The Robert Schuman Foundation has offices in Paris and Brussels and works in an open, multinational network. The Foundation is renowned for its research on the European Union, and strives to maintain the spirit and inspiration of one of the “Founder Fathers” of Europe, namely Robert Schuman. It promotes European values and ideals both within the Union’s frontiers as well as beyond.
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