Europe ripe for a ‘small revolution’ - by John Thornhill, Martin Arnold and Peggy Hollinger
Europe, says Dominique de Villepin, is a continent founded on doubts and ideals. Yet in spite of having only three months left in office, the exuberant French prime minister displays little of the former and a lot of the latter when it comes to discussing Europe’s future in an interview with the Financial Times.
After centuries of “wars, rivalries, and massacres,” Mr de Villepin says, Europe has emerged as a model of peace and prosperity; an international conscience; and an essential balancing power in a lopsided world. He says that wherever he travels – in the new EU member states of Bulgaria or Romania last week or on trips to the Middle East, Asia, or Latin America – there is a desire for Europe to contribute and succeed.Rather than looking inwards, he argues the EU must take the lead more and demonstrate its utility to citizens, focusing on important areas such as energy, education and research.As a diehard Gaullist, Mr de Villepin feels no shame in defending his country’s interests. But he does not believe this is incompatible with a European vision. Indeed, he suggest the EU needs a “small revolution” in order to ensure it does a better job of protecting its citizens in a globalised world.
No comments:
Post a Comment