01/10/2009 Session
The French Secretary of State for European Affairs gave an assurance of France’s attachment to the Council of Europe by stating before the Assembly on 1 October, ''I know what great pride the Council can take in the work accomplished.'' He suggested identifying any overlaps with the European Union in order to focus on the areas where the action of the Council of Europe proves most apposite and effective.
“In the Europe of the 47, there should not be a two-track freedom, or high and low pressure belts for democracy. In answer to those who may have lost sight of the goals of the Council of Europe, I would solemnly reassert France’s determination to ensure the unity of the European continent, abiding by the core values to which we must remain committed,” he concluded.