Chirac advocates “pioneer group” in foreign and security policy area

At the annual meeting of France’s ambassadors on 27 August, French President Jacques Chirac advocated the set-up of a “pioneer group” of states within the EU, who would seek to achieve greater integration among themselves. Chirac believes that this vanguard should enhance co-operation particularly in the field of foreign and security policy.

At the annual meeting of France’s ambassadors on 27 August 2001, Jacques Chirac advocated the set-up of a “pioneer group” within the EU, open to all member states. This group of states should focus on enhancing co-operation in the field of foreign and security policy. “A common foreign and security policy too often ends up reflecting the lowest common denominator,” he declared.

According to Chirac, enhanced co-operation in this policy area could be facilitated by creating a stronger European identity through the adoption of a European constitution. Chirac believes that the pioneer group should be set up only after the enlargement and hopes that a European constitution could be ready by 2004.

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