Macron proposes a new European community that includes Ukraine and the United Kingdom | Sandra Cohen’s blog

To this end, he proposed the creation of a new body – called the European Political Community – which could include even those who have already passed away, such as the United Kingdom.

The justification given by the French president to the European Parliament is very simple and reflects the bloc’s strict and bureaucratic mechanisms. The process of joining a new member to European Union It is usually a waste of time and, in Macron’s view, the EU cannot be, in the short term, the only means of structuring the European bloc.

Six Balkan countries – Albania, Bosnia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia – are currently on the waiting list, with no deadline set for joining the European Union.

“This new European organization of democratic countries on the continent in line with our set of values ​​will create a new space for political cooperation, security, cooperation in energy, transport, investment, infrastructure and the movement of people, especially our youth, since Saturday (7) in his second term,” the French president explained.

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A similar version of this proposal was made earlier by former President François Mitterrand on the occasion of the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last February demanded quick responses from the European Union to help the country, as did the clamor for its inclusion in the 27-nation bloc..

“Ukraine, because of its battle and courage, is today already a member of the heart of Europe, our family, our union,” he outlined, explaining that the shape of the new body would not impede the regular process of EU accession.

Macron touched on another weakness, as he also advocated a review of the treaties governing the European club, as a way to simplify the decision-making process. The reform proposal has found an echo in Parliament and appears to have the support of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

The most striking change is the end of unanimous voting in some sectors, such as foreign policy, health and defense. “A unanimous vote no longer makes sense if we want to move faster,” von der Leyen said.

The French president agreed and called for decisions to be adopted by a qualified majority. The current demand for consensus among the 27 members has recently prevented important proposals from coming forward during the migration crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic..