For the first time in five years, a Franco-British summit was held at the Elysée on March 10. Paris and London have insisted on the “renewal” of their alliance, after years of tension between the two countries.
“There are two things that nothing can change: our history and our geography. These place us together facing a common destiny.” Fifteen days before a state visit to France by King Charles III for his first trip abroad, Emmanuel Macron received British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at the Elysee Palace on Friday March 10. After years of tension between the two countries, the two leaders have shown their will “of reconnection and fresh start”, in the words of Emmanuel Macron. Fight against illegal immigration, war in Ukraine, global warming… Here is what to remember.
They reached a new agreement to fight against illegal immigration
The UK will increase funding over the next three years to tackle illegal immigration from France. “The UK’s contribution to this package will be €141m in 2023-24, €191m in 2024-25 and €209m in 2025-26”according to a press release issued after the Franco-British summit. “Criminal organizations should not decide who enters the country”said Rishi Sunak.
A new detention center in the north of France as well as a new command center bringing together French and British agents will also be created. In total, “500 additional new agents” will patrol the French beaches. More drones and other surveillance technologies will complement the system “to increase the interception rate”. “Stop the Boats”hammered the British Prime Minister in reference to the slogan of his recent anti-migrant bill.
The French president underlined that the fight against irregular immigration could not be done without the involvement of the countries of the European Union.
They decided to help Ukrainians more
“We share the same analysis and the same will”, said Emmanuel Macron about the war in Ukraine. The French president announced the joint training of Ukrainian soldiers in the war against Russia. “We have the will to build a lasting peace, which respects international law and the interests of the people”he added.
They want to strengthen their cooperation in defense and energy
In terms of security and defence, the two leaders said they wanted to strengthen their joint capabilities. This notably involves the development of future cruise missiles, “control of the seabed, of our aerial systems”developed Emmanuel Macron.
The French head of state and the head of the British government also want to make “cross-investments in renewable energy”by accelerating the exit from fossil fuels and by supporting the defense of biodiversity.
The French president mentioned the project to develop a new nuclear power station in the east of England, managed by EDF. The French company is already the operator of eight nuclear power plants in the United Kingdom. It is building in the west of England, at Hinkley Point C, two EPRs with a total capacity of 3.2 gigawatts, recalls The World (paid article).
They intend to facilitate cultural exchanges
Emmanuel Macron and Rishi Sunka finally assured that they wanted to strengthen the cultural ties between their two countries, despite Brexit. It will go through “more cooperation between our museums, our youth, our athletes”, described Emmanuel Macron. School trips between the two countries will be facilitated in particular.