Almost 60 years after the historic signing of the Franco-German treaty, France is preparing to seal a pact of friendship and cooperation with Italy, another founding country of Europe, thanks to the warming that took place after a long diplomatic winter.
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Emmanuel Macron is expected in Rome on Thursday, where he will initial this “
Franco-Italian enhanced cooperation treaty
” with the head of government Mario Draghi on
Friday morning
in the solemn setting of the Quirinal Palace, seat of the presidency of the Italian Republic.
"A symbolic value"
Paris and Rome wanted to conclude before the departure in January of President Sergio Mattarella, who is coming to the end of his seven-year term, and before the declaration of candidacy of the French head of state for his re-election. According to the Élysée, this treaty "will
promote the convergence of French and Italian positions, as well as the coordination of the two countries in terms of European and foreign policy, security and defense, migration policy, economy, education, of research, culture and cross-border cooperation
”.
In addition, the gesture will have "
an important symbolic value
" in an unstable context in Europe, after Brexit and the political transition in Germany, notes an Italian government source.
“
There is a real understanding between Mario Draghi and Emmanuel Macron.
We must take advantage of this window of opportunity to structure the relationship
”, analysis for AFP Sandro Gozi, one of the promoters of this treaty, Italian Secretary of State for European Affairs between 2014 and 2018.
Dispel misunderstandings
This “
Quirinal Treaty
” was announced in 2017 to provide “
a more stable and ambitious framework
” for Franco-Italian cooperation. His signature comes against a backdrop of turbulence in Europe, with the Brexit consummated, the handover of power between Angela Merkel and Olaf Scholz and tensions between Brussels and certain Eastern European capitals over respect for the fundamental values of the EU. .
The treaty, the precise content of which is not yet known, must establish or intensify between the two Latin and Mediterranean powers strengthened cooperation in areas as diverse as research, production, language teaching, defense and digital technology. .
He especially plans to talk to each other to avoid misunderstandings.
“
Italians and French must make the effort to get to know and understand each other better.
We often stick to superficial images, not prejudices but sometimes positive and sometimes negative perceptions.
We need a mechanism for regular dialogue
”, analyzes Sandro Gozi.
