Nicolas Sarkozy: A new style of EU Presidency? 

As the French EU Presidency approaches, opinion polls are showing that Sarkozy's popularity is falling, the author notes.

In the paper, entitled 'The Sarkozy Mystery', Fritz-Vannahme questions the way the EU will be governed under the French Presidency, asking whether "France will become more European, or if EU policymaking will become more French".

Since his mandate started, "the sum total of what he (Sarkozy) has achieved is actually not that bad, at least in the area of foreign and European policy," says Fritz-Vannahme. Yet when it comes to foreign policy, Sarkozy's will to "reconcile France and Europe" in fact "becomes debatable", he writes. 

Sarkozy's style represents a marked contrast to his predecessors’ approaches, insists the author, underlining that "he has managed to normalise the strained relationship with George W. Bush and American policymaking in general" in very little time. 

The French President's EU priorities have not all been welcomed by his European counterparts, the paper says, saying European policymakers are particularly sceptical about his Mediterranean Union proposal.

Fritz-Vannahme claims Sarkozy's expressed hope for common policies on immigration, defence, energy and environment has raised eyebrows, particularly those of Le Monde journalist Thomas Ferenczi, who described it as French "resumption". But the complexity of these issues means they cannot be solved quickly, argues the author.

Regarding the French President's attempt to position himself as the leader of a common European defence policy, "it remains to be seen whether (Sarkozy's) proposals are feasible" says the author, referring to the setting up of an EU intervention force with 10,000 troops.

On Middle East issues, Sarkozy's policies tend to converge with the American and Israeli positions, the author says.

Concerning Iran, foreign minister Bernard Kouchner raised the idea of a possible war, he adds.

The author suggests that the French President will have to "how a willingness to compromise"on agricultural policy.

Perceived as "not easy to deal with" due to his "plethora of ideas" and his "linguistic agility", Fritz-Vannahme nevertheless concludes that "Sarkozy's contradictions may also be a reason for hope".