Jacques Barrot, the discreet one. “My discretion has fueled portraits that are ill-suited to reality,” Jacques Barrot likes to say. Not much is said about him. It might be the only criticism that could be made. It would be a good sign if he made the headlines. Europe would be better explained, less unloved in France. On Monday, few media outlets from the Côte d’Azur had turned up to listen to the European commissioner. The political topic of the day was the opening of the UMP headquarters with Rachida Dati. Yet, Europe needs a relay.
“At the European Commission, the general interest of Europe comes before the interest of the country we know best.” This is how Jacques Barrot summarizes his philosophy as a European Commissioner, where he represents France among the 27 countries of the European Union and where he is vice-president in charge of transport. He has held this position for three years and is behind the blacklist of airlines deemed dangerous. He is reaching maturity, even if he is 70 years old. He has gone through the files, understood the operations and workings of the European Institution just before France becomes president of the European Union Council in a year. It is time for Jacques Barrot to propose some improvements and share his plans in the energy fields: “I wish to diversify energy sources and I regret that each country negotiates in isolation with Vladimir Putin or Abdelaziz Bouteflika.” He wants a larger budget to be allocated to the Erasmus program, which allows students to study outside their country. Regarding the economy, he is opposed to protectionism: “It is a vicious cycle of recession. Europe must be open but not given away. There must be reciprocity in the opening of the European space.” For nearly two hours, Jacques Barrot did not evade any question or theme:
– Transports: He supports a TGV line between Barcelona and Genoa.
– Security: He is in favor of a European defense, taking the operation in Congo as an example.
– Agriculture: “We must encourage production with environmental and quality concerns. Being from Haute-Loire, I see the farmer of the future. It will be a skilled farmer.”
A certain frustration was felt. He has often regretted not being able to finance everything he would like to do, especially in transport and for Erasmus, where he believes the budget should be tripled. He pointed out some differences in economic viewpoints with his Irish colleague. Also frustrated by not always feeling supported by the French State, which sometimes lacks tact: “We cannot act as 27 like we do as 6. We cannot neglect other countries.” Frustrated by the image the EU has in France: “France must understand that the European Commission is not an adversary. We are not a technocratic monster. The Commissioners are politicians. The French need to believe in Europe. We need new attitudes and to stop using Brussels as a scapegoat.”
Jacques Barrot is a convinced European, but he does not have the communication tools to convince the French. He places a lot of hope in those who occupy the media space, including the President of the Republic, Nicolas Sarkozy: “I wrote to the President of the Republic to take advantage of the French presidency of the EU Council to better explain Europe. I also wish for a ‘report’ intervention from the Head of State after each European Council.”
Jacques Barrot was in Nice to communicate about his work, his projects, his hopes. Without mincing words, and with great thoroughness, the European commissioner fulfilled his task by convincing an amphitheater full of students. In the absence of the media, they will be the only relay to the French. Conclusion: it takes a lot of selflessness and civic spirit to continue European education.
