David Martinon, the spokesperson for the Elysee, clarified the objectives of the Franco-Italian summit taking place in Nice this Friday, November 30: “It should enable decisive advances” in the field of energy on Friday, particularly through the adoption of a joint declaration and the signing of an agreement on this topic.” The Prodi-Sarkozy meeting is thus focused on the priority theme of energy.
Italy and France hope for an agreement between Enel and EDF. It would allow the Italian electricity leader to participate in the French third-generation EPR nuclear program. Difficulties have been hindering this rapprochement for a few months, as EDF is a controlling shareholder of the Italian energy sector’s number two. Enel is expected to invest two billion euros in a partnership agreement. In exchange, EDF would cede 3% of the French production capacity.
Other topics will be addressed, such as immigration, the union of Mediterranean countries, Europe, and current international issues.
Nicolas Sarkozy will be accompanied by Prime Minister François Fillon and ministers Jean-Louis Borloo (Ecology), Bernard Kouchner (Foreign Affairs), Brice Hortefeux (Immigration), Valérie Pécresse (Higher Education), Hervé Morin (Defense), Jean-Pierre Jouyet (European Affairs), and Hervé Novelli (Foreign Trade).
Quite a gathering, and such a gathering implies stringent security measures. The summit will be held in the heart of Old Nice at the Palais des Rois de Sardaigne. Traffic and parking in the vicinity will be nearly impossible.
Advice from the Prefecture of Alpes Maritimes
