the Euro football and the Europe of nations

The European Football Championship, seen from France, has had an undeniable political dimension from its inception. It begins in September 1958, at the very moment when the Fifth Republic emerged. Then the first final phase takes place in France, at the start of the Gaullian republic. During this event won by the USSR, the first three teams came from communist countries. France, which ranks 4th, represents the defeated Western camp. The Italians did not take part in the competition. As for Spain, governed by dictator Franco, it was disqualified for refusing to play the preliminaries against the USSR.

Again in France in 1984, the competition took place while François Mitterrand was at the Elysée. The team led by Platini, Giresse and Tigana wins the tournament. For some, it is a sign that France is strong in football when the left is in power. The same idea will be taken up in 1998 with the victory at the World Cup, while Lionel Jospin is Prime Minister. The 2018 victory challenges this myth…

But the real political influence of the tournament was visible in 1992. Denmark, which voted against Europe in 1991 by referendum, was drafted for the competition after the breakup of Yugoslavia which had its place. And the Danes eliminate France, although the favorite, then win the tournament. The newspapers celebrate this victory in Europe. A year later, Denmark voted for Europe this time, convinced that it now knows how to control its future in the institutions.

There is no doubt that the tournament which opened yesterday in Munich will end up reflecting the rise of populism in the news. The Europe of football showcases the Europe of nations.