France on Saturday 1 January 2022 assumed the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union for the next six months.

During this EU presidency, which is taking place in a very specific context marked by the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on the world economy, Paris aims to take up key EU projects and priorities.

President Emmanuel Macron, whose country will in particular be responsible for bringing together the bloc of twenty-seven on several key issues, on 9 December unveiled his priorities for this French presidency: “relaunch, power and belong”. .

Mr Macron intends to introduce reforms in the Schengen area, regulate digital giants, pursue a “climate package” with carbon taxation, and rebuild the “treaty of friendship with Africa”, among other things.

In terms of defence, France would have to pursue the issue of EU sovereignty with NATO by providing European defense with an ambitious budget. Paris will work to conduct the “European Intervention Initiative” (with 13 member states), strengthen the “Takuba Task Force” to fight terrorism in the Sahel, and intensify “increased cooperation” in the arms sector. Will work.

The country also intends in March 2022 to adopt the European Council’s “Strategic Compass”, a white paper on the strategic orientation of the EU’s common security and defense policy.

On the economic front, Paris wants to request “a new development model” during the EU presidency that will aim to “reconcile economic growth and climate ambition”.

Ultimately, relations with Africa will be a “priority” for the French presidency of the Council of the European Union, as “it is structuring for the peace of Europe”, as assured by President Emmanuel Macron.