The French State Secretary for European Affairs opened the TEPSA Pre-Presidency Conference organised in Sciences-Po, Paris, on 12-13 June 2008.
Before addressing the French EU Presidency’s programme itself, M. Jouyet explained what would be its “spirit”. Hence, he made clear in his introduction that “a Presidency of the EU is always inscribed in a process of continuity”. Taking over the Presidency, he said, is not only about exerting leadership and giving impulsions, but it is also about listening to the others and acting responsibly. This stance is not motivated ‘by altruism nor by convenience”, but simply reflects how the EU works (…)