Blair to meet Chirac
Tony Blair is to meet Jacques Chirac today in the first bilateral summit between the two European heavyweights since the war in Iraq.
Although the men have met a number of times since the conflict, they have only done so at multilateral summits. Yet the differences of the war in Iraq are not expected to be the only issue that the two men discuss.
The recent decision on entry to the euro, the launch of a roadshow to promote the prospect of entry, and recent calls for a referendum on approval of the new constitution, have all put Britain’s place in Europe under new scrutiny, and this is likely to be a major topic for debate between the two leaders.
Mr Chirac commended the Government’s recent declaration on the euro, publicly commenting that he would welcome British entry, though noting that he would not push for it.
These warm comments also reflect much agreement between France and the UK about the new EU draft constitution.
France and the UK have been arguing for a more intergovernmental EU, with stronger representation of national interests through the council of Ministers. This is most embodied by both countries’ support for a new figurehead for the Council, though this presidential role has been criticised in much of the British press.
Both countries are also heavily involved in the formation of an EU rapid reaction force designed to give the EU the ability to respond to crises with military intervention. However, French involvement in the recent high profile mini conference on a new European army is just one of several ongoing disagreements.
The meeting takes place as the European Union starts a major debate about the future of the Common Agricultural Policy, on which the countries strongly disagree.
France has worked behind the scenes to try to protect the present farm subsidy system, declaring that it had reached a deal with Germany that would protect the CAP. The UK on the other hand is part of a growing coalition of members that feel present subsidies distort trade, damage third world development and fail to reflect public priorities.
So while smiles are likely to be maintained for the sake of the cameras, and with relations some agreement to commend each other on, the summit is expected to involve some tension for both men.
