If France has officially assumed the presidency of the Council of the European Union since January 1, its mandate begins in earnest this Thursday evening with the reception of the College of European Commissioners. Twenty-six of the 27 commissioners will dine at the Élysée with Emmanuel Macron and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The opportunity to address the priorities of this presidency while the Head of State wants to be ambitious and hopes that these six months will prove useful.
It is a visit that is not exceptional, a trip which in a way marks the start of the French presidency, recalls the Elysee. This Thursday, 26 of the 27 European Commissioners, one missing for medical reasons, as well as the President of the Commission will therefore be in Paris for a two-day trip, with on the menu: a dinner this Thursday evening, a tribute to Jean Monnet and Simone Veil Friday morning at the Panthéon, followed by a seminar with the government, then a working lunch. The European commissioners will then go to the National Assembly and then to the Senate.
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Previously, Emmanuel Macron will have met with Ursula von der Leyen to discuss with the President of the Commission the very many files announced as priority by the Elysee. The two leaders will hold a press conference late Friday morning.
Busy schedule
France wants to go fast, the fault of a busy schedule with a campaign for the presidential election scheduled for April. But she intends to respect the motto of this presidency, namely: “Relaunch, power and belonging”.
A symbolic visit, which will be followed next week by that of Charles Michel, the President of the European Council, before Emmanuel Macron goes to Strasbourg for the traditional speech in front of the deputies of the European Parliament.
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