Emmanuel Macron has his eyes fixed on the north and more precisely on the British coast. Fifteen days before receiving the new regent, King Charles III, the President of the Republic welcomed Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to Paris, this Friday, March 10. And the meeting between the two leaders took place in a form of camaraderie, Rishi Sunak allowing himself to call his counterpart by his first name and qualify him as a “friend” in front of the cameras.
“It’s a moment of reunion, reconnection and a new beginning”, rejoiced the two leaders during a press briefing organized in the salons of the Elysée. The two men have shown their desire to relaunch an alliance cooled by the Brexit years by making the fight against illegal immigration the cornerstone of their cooperation.
541 million euros from the United Kingdom to France to fight against illegal immigration
On the occasion of the first Franco-British summit since 2018, the two countries were keen to take care of their announcements. One figure in particular caught the attention of observers. The United Kingdom has pledged to pay its neighbor 541 million euros, over three years, as part of cooperation against illegal immigration. “Over the next three years, the UK’s contribution to this package will be €141 million in 2023-24, €191 million in 2024-25 and €209 million in 2025-26,” said a statement.
500 law enforcement officers on French beaches
On the same aspect, France and the United Kingdom claim to want to hire “500 new additional agents” who will patrol French beaches. Drones associated with new surveillance technologies will complete the system. “Stop the boats!” is the British government’s mantra.
“We want to move forward together, commented Emmanuel Macron. In 2022, we prevented more than 1,300 makeshift boat crossings. Together, we dismantled 55 organized crime networks and made more than 500 arrests. “
Strengthen defense cooperation
On the subject of the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, France and the United Kingdom insisted on their military understanding. “We have the will to build a lasting peace, which respects international law and the interests of the people”, supported Emmanuel Macron. For the first two European armies, the only holders of nuclear weapons on the continent, it is urgent to “strengthen their common capabilities”. The development of future cruise missiles was mentioned.
Joint investments in the energy sector
Making “cross-investments in renewable energies” is a priority for the two heads of state who reaffirmed their ambition to accelerate the exit from fossil fuels. The project to develop a new nuclear power station in the east of England managed by EDF was mentioned by the two men.
Facilitate cultural exchanges
To renew the Franco-British alliance, Emmanuel Macron and Rishi Sunak are investing in another field: cultural exchanges. This will go through “more cooperation between our museums, our youth, our athletes”, described Emmanuel Macron. School trips between the two countries should also be facilitated.