The Czech Presidency; yet another new phase for Europe. Europe enjoys a two-fold privilege: that of maturity and youth. Europe is an old continent, enriched by its Christian and Jewish roots, through the spirit of Abraham but equally through the influence of a handful of exceptional men who live on in our memory, men like Alexander, Aristotle's star-pupil, and Plato.
This continent of intellect, knowledge and literature was spurned and derided by the triumph of nihilism, early in the 20th century. Another Europe emerged, one no longer in touch with its own identity, a Europe with a monstrous countenance. This Europe, prey to Fascism and Communism, invented neither hatred nor crime; it did however eradicate the concept of the honnête homme and organised crime as if it were a state-run industry.
At the end of World War II, a few Europeans decided to give their continent its face back. They began by forging peace between France and Germany, then got to work on the old dream of the United States of Europe, as envisioned by Victor Hugo.
Hence, Europe experienced a new springtime. This phase of youth and freshness continues to hold out to this day. In fact, it has only just taken its first uncertain steps. That is why every six months we Europeans entrust the Presidency to one of our 27 member states on a rotating basis. During the last six months, it was France's turn to shoulder its European responsibility.
As a Frenchman, it is not easy for me to evaluate its success with impartiality. I can only say that neither the French Presidency nor France's voice and message have given me cause to blush. On the contrary, both acquired a new relevance and significance against the backdrop of turmoil that has raged for the past months. Here I refer to the war that broke out in the Caucasus region last summer, the financial crisis that struck in the autumn and, even more recently, the tragedy that plunged Israelis and Palestinians into mourning and left the rest of the world engulfed in untold sadness.
As a European, it has indeed been a pleasure for me to be able to lend my support to the Presidency in my capacity as Ambassador of France to Malta. It was a Presidency that infused our continent and our illustrious country with vitality and presence, to which we can all bear witness.
Numerous Maltese have expressed their satisfaction in my presence. Among those who come to mind are President Eddie Fenech Adami, President Emeritus Guido de Marco and Foreign Affairs Minister Tonio Borg as well as members of the Labour Party and the University of Malta (just last week Stephen Calleja from Medac - the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies).
Unexpected circumstances that arose during the French Presidency still did not divert France's focus on its priorities; namely the fight against climate change, the European pact on immigration, etc. Personally, during the past few months, I had the distinct impression that I was a citizen of a Europe that is willing to take action, desirous to fully occupy the place and role it has held throughout history. Dare I say that this is the Europe we love?
Europe and the Mediterranean are bound together by the past and by the future; by experience and by hope. No one is more aware of this than the Maltese people who have had the privilege of living half way between two worlds. Only by working hand in hand will the countries on both shores of the Mediterranean be able to face up to the challenges of our times. Among these the issue of illegal migration, a source of great concern to Europeans who would like to see their frontiers respected and a tragedy for those to whom wars and miseries of every description have left no choice other than to abandon themselves to their destinies and flee. So many Africans lose their lives at sea every summer. We all agree that the Mediterranean, our inland sea, must not become a cemetery.
We all know that the solution lies in the economic development of Africa. To be sure, there is still a long way to go but by adopting a common migration policy, underpinned by a willingness to cooperate on the part of the countries of origin, Europe has made progress.
Within the framework of this pact, France "adopted" 80 immigrants from Malta. This was a symbolic gesture meant to demonstrate that the time has come for the Europe of self-seeking and egoism to make way for a Europe of brotherhood.
That was the French Presidency's appeal when they, in their turn, passed on the crown of European responsibilities to the Czech Presidency.
Two years ago, I had discussed European issues with President Vaclav Havel. At the time, he had insisted that Europe's ambitions could not be reduced to those of a consumeristic society and that one had always to be cautious and to mistrust "the spirit of modernity and pretentiousness". I wish the Czech authorities and their Ambassador in Malta, Vladimir Zavazal, every success and extend my best wishes for the New Year 2009 to all the new friends I have made in Malta.
The author is Ambassador of France to Malta and also a writer.