Widersprüchliche Signale: französische Europa-Politik zu Beginn der Pariser EU-Ratspräsidentschaft

Abstract

"Sarkozys Europapolitik folgt keiner kohärenten Strategie. Er richtet sie an zwei übergeordneten Zielen aus: einer Wiederherstellung der Legitimität des französischen Führungsanspruchs in der EU sowie dem Bestreben, seine innenpolitische Reformagenda zu stärken oder zumindest nicht zu gefährden. Dies führt zu widersprüchlichen europapolitischen Signalen an seine Partner, die sowohl proeuropäisch als auch äußerst gemeinschaftskritisch ausfallen können bis hin zur Infragestellung von Teilen des Acquis communautaire. Auf Deutschland wird daher über einen längeren Zeitraum verstärkt die Rolle des 'Maklers' von Gemeinschaftsinteressen zukommen." (Autorenreferat)

"After Nicolas Sarkozy's election as the French president there was to be a 'break' in the European policy of the French government. It failed to appear, however. At the most Sarkozy has tapered or further developed subjects like the treaty reform, enlargement, security, immigration or financial and monetary policy. Sarkozy's European policy lacks any coherent strategy. It only has two goals: to reconstitute the legitimacy of the French claim for a leadership position in the European Union and to strengthen his agenda for reforms in French politics or at least not to endanger it. This leads to contradictory signals towards Sarkozy's partners, which can be pro-european, but also very negative towards the community, even risking parts of the 'Acquis communautaire.' Therefore Germany for quite some time will have to play the role of the 'honest broker' of common interests. Particularly Germany in the medium term should advocate a EU neighborhood policy, which is balanced between the interests of the South and the East. During the French presidency Berlin is called for constructive thinking concerning energy policy (deconcentration/ divestiture) and immigration policy (regulation of legal immigration). The goal of a common immigration policy, however, will clearly stay on even after the year 2008." (author's abstract)