French diplomat discusses future of European Union

Penn was treated to its own State of the European Union address when French Ambassador H.E. Francois Bujon de L'Estang spoke in Houston Hall last Thursday afternoon. In his talk, Bujon de L'Estang discussed "the state of European affairs after the French presidency of the European Union." Bujon de L'Estang especially lauded the more recent efforts of the Union, which was founded in 1957, for its attempt to integrate much of the European continent. Currently, all Western European nations -- excluding Switzerland, Iceland and Norway -- belong to the 15-member EU. The Ambassador, who has devoted more than three decades to public service, pointed out that the EU is not attempting to become the United States of Europe. The goal instead is to further "European integration, but at the same time, maintain devotion to each country's own identity," Bujon de L'Estang said. "Each nation has too strong a national identity." He added that the EU has garnered little support and much bad press from the American media, which has largely disregarded most major advancements of the EU -- particularly while France presided over the Union. The French presidency of the European Union ended on December 31, 2000, after an active six-month term. During this tenure, the EU concentrated on carrying out two main objectives: a European currency and military cohesion between the member states. The value of joining the EU has become increasingly evident to Eastern European countries. But, nations like the war-torn former Yugoslavia must demonstrate that they can maintain peace and stability before they become viable candidates for entry. Twelve existing European currencies will be completely replaced by the Euro in 2002 after a six month phase-out. The Euro is roughly equivalent to the American dollar. Seven years ago, when the Euro was first introduced, the value of European markets depreciated, but Bujon de L'Estang said he is convinced that this was caused by "the extraordinary strength of the American economy at the time, and not the weakness of the Euro." Although France has since passed the presidential baton on to Sweden, which in turn will relinquish the title to Belgium this summer, the EU's mission toward integration without dissolution remains constant. Bujon de L'Estang noted that the Union's strength stems from its independence from other groups. The EU is not affiliated with the U.N. or with NATO, though several of the individual members are. Bujon de L'Estang also discussed the United States' own transfer of presidential power, and President Bush's somewhat undeveloped relationship with Europe. While acknowledging that former Texas governor has little international experience, he said that both presidents Reagan and Truman had little exposure to European affairs before their presidencies but "learned soon enough." The speech was sponsored by the French Institute for Culture and Technology, the Huntsman Program in International Studies and Business and the Lauder Institute of Management and International Studies.