France/Europe

Sarkozy sets out ambitious plans for Europe

Article published on the 2008-07-01 Latest update 2008-07-02 09:18 TU

French President Nicolas Sarkozy.
(Photo : Reuters)

The first day of the French presidency of the European Union has got off to a rocky start after the Polish President said that he would refuse to sign the Lisbon Treaty. Nicolas Sarkozy has set out ambitious plans for his six-month leadership, covering issues from immigration and global warming, to farm reform and defense.

But last month's Irish 'no' vote on the EU Lisbon Treaty has triggered uncertainty over the future of Europe's institutions. Despite his plans, Sarkozy is likely to have his hands filled dealing with the fallout from Ireland.

Polish President Lech Kaczynski delivered a fresh blow after he said that he would not sign the treaty which aims to streamline EU decision-making.

Tension has also been growing between Sarkozy and British EU trade commissioner Peter Mandelson, after the French President criticised Mandelson, saying he offered too generous concessions on farming during negotiations at the World Trade Organisation.

Calling such thinking a "step backward," Sarkozy said that "we must therefore profoundly change our way of building Europe," and that he hoped to be able to concentrate on five main areas when France took over the EU presidency from Slovenia.

These are immigration, defence, energy and the environment, agriculture, and the most high-profile project, the 13 July launch of a new French-led Mediterranean Union.

But he said his top priority will now be to salvage the Lisbon Treaty, adding that EU countries must continue ratifying the charter and is set to travel to Ireland on 11 July to hear first hand the concerns of Irish voters.

Sarkozy also said Monday he would work for a Europe-wide cut in the value-added tax on restaurant bills and for a limit on oil VAT to help consumers concerned about rising prices.