On 28 February and 1 March 2022, the FMA organised a virtual visit to France on the occasion of the French Presidency of the Council of the EU.
A delegation of European former parlamentarians led by FMA President Dr. Hans-Gert Pöttering participated in the two-day online visit to France. They met with representatives of the French Parliament and Government to discuss the priorities of the French Presidency of the EU Council.
When opening the FMA Virtual Visit to France, President Hans-Gert Pöttering condemned the aggression to Ukraine.
“We are meeting in extraordinary times. There is war in Europe. Russia has attacked a brother country, the people of Ukraine. It is not only an attack against the Ukrainian nation; it is an attack against the whole of Europe, on our values, of the dignity of the human being, freedom, democracy, legal order and peace. This is an historic moment and the citizens of Ukraine should know that we are here to help them.”
On 1 March 2022, the FMA co-organised a virtual public debate on the Future of Europe with the European Parliament Liaison Office in Paris and the Jean Monnet House.
During this session Former Members, Academics and students had the opportunity to discuss about the FMA Proposal to the Conference on the Future of Europe. The debate focused on the proposals for change related to the functioning of the EU: transnational lists, Council work and more transparent decisions, a common and operational defense capacity, etc.
The meeting was broadcasted live on our association’s Facebook page in English and French as well as on the YouTube page of the EPLO in Paris.