In a interview, French President Nicolas Sarkozy told reporters France’s six months presidency of the European Union institutions* will focus on “giving back Europeans a sense of security”, arguing that it is the core precept of the EU that is being questioned by its citizens fearing the effects of globalisation. Climate and environment policies will part of his priorities: He admitted these are the most difficult projects he’ll face noting as the objectives of 20% CO2 emissions reduction and the 20% use of clean energy might be problematic for the countries that have recently joined the EU. He said he’ll also propose an import tax on products manufactured in countries that do not fight climate change to “level off the competitive field with European industries”.

* Each European member states take the helm of the EU for a period of 6 months. Considered very symbolic and often useless by critics, the presidency is often the opportunity to propose institutional change or strengthen them, and to promote a particular project. It is very much a diplomatic exercise as the presidency cannot supersede the European Parliament nor the European Commission.