La France à Malte

Bolloré's 'Autolib' is settling in the United States

Webmestre — 2013-06-14T10:59:36Z

The Bolloré Group has won a contract, worth $35 million, to install its electric car sharing service throughout Indianapolis, in the northern part of the United States, by 2014. This venture will be its first steps abroad and in the land of big cars. The service itself, developed within a public-private partnership, will include 500 100% electric vehicles, 200 rental stations and will be equipped with 1,200 charging stations, as had been mentioned in a statement by the group spokesperson.

Vincent Bolloré, CEO of the group, said he was "enthusiastic about participating in the acceleration process of the adoption of electric vehicles in America," as quoted in a statement. Bolloré, owner of the Autolib' service in Ile de France, and who had announced in early June on the creation of Bluely in the Great Lyon area, will thus also be launching the electric car service outside of France for the first time. Established in 2011 in Paris and throughout the 52 municipalities in Ile-de-France, the Autolib' system has 80,000 subscribers, 35,000 of whom are members with a yearly subscription.

While some U.S. cities like New York, Chicago and San Francisco already have a car sharing system; this was not the case in Indianapolis, a Midwestern city whose urban area continues to expand. If residents of the Midwest are known for their lust for big 4x4 or pick ups, Hervé Muller, CEO and responsible for Bolloré's IER subsidiary company, noted that the centre of Indianapolis has a large student population and many young adults who have certainly accepted to have a personal car if good alternatives are made available to them.

Charging stations accessible to all types of electric vehicles The network's charging stations that are to be implemented by Bolloré will be available to all the owners of electric vehicles. This would contribute in making Indianapolis one of the most electrified cities in the United States'. The car-sharing program, which has yet to be named, will be designed for short term rentals. Equipped with a GPS, these vehicles will be offered to individuals, government agencies and companies that wish to reduce the number of other vehicles.

Bolloré, which also manufactures electric batteries and smart grid systems, is not hiding its ambition to extend the project all over the United States. The project in Indianapolis "is part of a strategy to expand our presence in the United States. Other cities will follow," said Mr. Muller. According to the Bolloré spokesman, the group has already started discussing "with a number of cities and towns in the last six months” within the country.

Source AFP

Presentation of the book of Prof. Alain Blondy : « Malte et Marseille au XVIIIème siècle »

Webmestre — 2013-06-13T08:56:57Z

Intervention of Ambassador Michel Vandepoorter for the presentation of the book "Malta and Marseille in the eighteenth century," in the presence of President Emeritus Dr. Ugo Misfud Bonnici and Minister of Culture Dr. José A. Herrera.

“President Emeritus,
Minister,
Professor,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dear friends,

The book that brings us here today, "Marseille and Malta in the eighteenth century," written by Professor Alain Blondy in collaboration with Xavier Labat Saint Vincent, states that "The History of Marseille and its commercial influence in the eighteenth century needs no longer to be told”. Nonetheless, Professor, your book was more than worthy of writing due to the rich and abundant sources that had been used for the first time, proving that the book will surely be essential to future readers.

The book clearly shows that the decision to make Valletta a free port in 1723 had given a new dimension of trade between Malta and Marseille. The islands had found the prosperity it had once lost whilst Marseille, recovering from the terrible plague of 1720, had regained its status as a prominent actor in maritime trade in the Mediterranean. Most importantly, however, the Maltese islands have developed very close relations with Marseille and Provence in all areas. Provencal families had settled in Valletta, developing their activities in the port, through various initiatives in the chartering and banking fields. They became instilled within the population by binding themselves to the Maltese families, combining the two cultures and acclimatizing the French language, which, at that time, was not uncommon to hear on the banks of the Grand Harbour. Let us not forget Nicolo Isouard or the two visits of Jean Pierre Houël, who was not from Provence but had surely found the idea of coming to the islands as a result of these cultural exchanges.

The remarkable work that was based on the consultation of the Lazaretto records and consular letters received by the French chargé d'affaires in Malta accounts for the diversity in business and human relations between Marseille and Malta, together with political and economic issues that were at the heart of the Mediterranean economy throughout the eighteenth century.

Thank you, Professor, for the time and talent that you devoted to this work.

Let me add three remarks that inspired me the reading of this book.

One of the major interests of Professor Blondy's work is to highlight a lesser known page of the common history between Malta and France. We often refer to the many knights of l'Ordre de St Jean de Jérusalem, des langues de Provence, de France ou d'Auvergne, who lived in Malta or to the outstanding contribution of the French grand masters to the remarkable heritage of the islands beginning with Jean de La Valette, who went on to design this capital. We also recall the six decisive days that saw General Bonaparte residing on the island in 1798. What is often forgotten, however, is this century of shared economic interests and every day life between Maltese and people from Provence.

Another benefit of this book is to show that the partner France had changed at that time. The court of Versailles was interested in the Order of Malta on which it exercised a real influence. Meanwhile, the merchants of Marseille and Provence were attached to the population and territory of Malta and its ideal geographical location for trade within the Mediterranean. The book thus describes the emergence of Malta as a nation in the late 18th century.

The relations between Marseilles and Malta were brutally questioned in 1800. It is difficult to evoke, without a hint of regret, the fact that many French or Franco-Maltese families had left the island where they were settled; some of them for several generations, and which Prof. Blondy lists.

Coming back to the present days, we find that the links remain strong, and that other Maltese families who had lived in Tunisia or Algeria and acquired French nationality, have now settled in Marseille and Avignon. Besides, today the Malta Freeport, one of the largest and most modern in the Mediterranean, is managed by a Marseille-based company. This is an example of the solace of permanence in history.

The reminder of this common memory in Malta and Marseille is legitim as Marseille Provence, European Capital of Culture in 2013, is celebrating the richness and diversity of people from the Mediterranean and of their heritage. In 2018, the attention will be brought upon Valletta, elected as European Capital of Culture. There is no doubt that, during this period, Marseille will appear as a privileged partner.”

The book takes us into the history of the Mediterranean in a period marked by the size and splendor of the commercial and cultural exchanges between the great French port in the Mediterranean and the Maltese archipelago.

Lacking natural resources, Malta only really developed from 1723 onwards, after a free port was set up. The island became an important storage destination for the region, with a privileged geographical location for trade, situated midway between the Atlantic and the Levant. The island attracted many travelers from Provence, and Marseille in particular, who settled there.

* Professor Alain Blondy, specialist in the Mediterranean world in the sixteenth, seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, has been teaching history since 1968. He began this profession in Bordeaux before continuing his career at the Sorbonne where he was elected professor in 1995. From that date onwards, he endeavored to work primarily on the history of Malta, the Order of Malta and the barbarian regencies. Professor Blondy actively participated in the creation of partnerships between France and its Mediterranean neighbors, notably with the establishment of the French department at the University of Malta. He then taught at the University of Malta from 1998 to 2010 and was a visiting professor at the Universities of Tunis and Cyprus. Professor Alain Blondy is Officer in the Legion of Honour.

* Xavier Labat Saint Vincent, a historian and engineer from the University Paris IV Sorbonne, is a specialist of 18th century history. His fields of study are specialized in Franco-Maltese trade, trade within the Mediterranean, Marseille as a port of trade and consuls in the Mediterranean.

Contact : info@fondationdemalte.org

Signing of the Arms Trade Treaty by France

Webmestre — 2013-06-04T07:52:59Z

France signed the Arms Trade Treaty today in New York. It welcomes the fact that many other members of the international community, notably within the EU, have taken the same step, once again expressing their support for this text.

The adoption of the Arms Trade Treaty on April 2, by a very large majority, marked the completion of a long negotiation process. By signing this treaty, we begin a new phase: that of the universalization and the implementation of the treaty. France looks forward to the swift entry into force of the Arms Trade Treaty, which is a major step forward for human rights, humanitarian law and international stability.

France highlights the important work carried out with all our partners, as well as with members of civil society. It would like to continue this cooperation in order to implement the treaty.

France and Germany – Together for a stronger Europe of Stability and Growth

Webmestre — 2013-05-31T07:35:07Z

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France and Germany – Together for a stronger Europe of Stability and Growth

France and Germany agree that stability and growth within the Euro area are decisive for the future of our two countries and the European Union as a whole. They are a prerequisite to assert our European economic and social model in the world. France and Germany are conscious of their particular responsibility in this respect. This is why on 22nd January 2013, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Élysée Treaty, they announced they will take ambitious initiatives to define the next steps of the deepening of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), the policies, the instruments and the democratic institutional framework necessary for its realization. In particular, they committed themselves to present a joint contribution to the preparation of the European Council in June.

The efforts undertaken by Member States to continue growth friendly fiscal consolidation stabilize the euro zone, preserve its integrity and thus restore confidence in the future of EMU. They are conducted in full respect of the existing rules of the Stability and Growth Pact and the Treaty on Stability, Cooperation and Governance in the Economic and Monetary Union which offer the necessary flexibilities.

Promoting growth and fiscal consolidation are mutually reinforcing and should be pursued with the same credibility. The pace of fiscal adjustment must be set for each Member State depending on the situation of its public finances and the need to preserve or return to sustainable growth. In this context, progress should continue to be made towards structurally balanced budgets. This should go hand in hand with short-term targeted measures to boost growth and support job-creation, particularly for the young, prioritising growth-friendly investment as well as with well-designed reforms aiming at enhancing competitiveness. This will be implemented in each Member State depending on its needs and specificities, while strengthening the economy's competitiveness and enhancing growth.

Boosting competitiveness, growth and jobs

France and Germany agree that in order to complement the necessary measures by Member States, European policies and instruments should be fully mobilized to support growth and employment.

Plan for youth employment:

Addressing unemployment of young people is the most important social and political challenge facing us. We endorse the objective of the “youth guarantee” to ensure all young people under the age of 25 receive a good quality offer of employment, education, apprenticeship or traineeship. The plan should aim at offering better training, integration into the world of work and improved conditions for mobility, in particular: o dual training and apprenticeship should be developed. The opportunities provided in that regard by the “Erasmus for all” programme should be made best use of; o in order for the Youth Employment Initiative to play its full role, the disbursement of the 6 bn € allocated to it should be frontloaded focused on the first two years of the next Multi-annual Financial Period and become effective as early as possible in 2014. Effective preparation should take place before the end 2013. Other structural funds, in particular the European Social Fund, could also be used; o access for SMEs to financing is particularly important in that context.

A conference of employment ministers and labour market administrations on July 3 in Berlin at the invitation of Chancellor Merkel with President Hollande aims to identify the most promising approaches for actions by member states and the support from European funds foreseen under the Multi-annual Financial Framework.

Access for small and medium-sized enterprises to financing:

development of SMEs is a keystone for growth and employment in the Euro area. It is of particular importance in the framework of the plan for youth employment. Improving their competitiveness remains the main medium and long-term goal to this end. Germany and France take note of the recent announcement by the ECB, EIB and Commission to set up a task force assessing options to re-establish financing mechanisms in favour of SMEs. We support ambitious efforts bringing together efficient refinancing, leverage on private investment and making full use of structural funds, and of the possibilities by EIB and the EIF. More generally, the EIB and the European Investment Fund should take a proactive stance in fostering growth. The possibilities of support by public development banks should also be examined.

“Compact for growth and jobs”:

work on fully implementing the "Compact for Growth and Jobs" agreed in June 2012 based on fast-acting growth measures of € 120 billion must be accelerated. The necessary measures have been taken in recent months. The projects must be financed without delay so that they can quickly contribute to growth and the creation of jobs.

Multiannual Financial Framework 2014-20:

the Multiannual Financial Framework (€ 960 billion in 2011 prices) must be adopted as a matter of urgency in order to make a full use of the resources provided thereunder, in particular for investment, innovation and employment. The European institutions and Member States should take the necessary steps to ensure quick and effective deployment of these means in order to increase their immediate impact.

- Investment plan :

The Commission and the EIB should be invited, in the framework of the report they will put forward during the June European Council meeting, to present an “investment plan” for the European Union based on: o all resources decided at European level, o the instruments representing the most effective levers to spur private investment, o and the major priorities, including infrastructure, energy efficiency and renewable energy, innovation, the digital economy and small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).

The conditions for private investment in Member States must be improved. We must develop, at the European level and at national level, the right domestic policy framework to support competitiveness and private investment.

Internal market:

The enhancement of the internal market is essential to bolster long-term growth and shock resilience. We support simplification efforts in order to improve the quality of legislation while recognising that regulation is necessary in order to address the needs of citizens and businesses. In particular small and medium-sized enterprises should benefit from intelligent regulation and the reduction of unnecessary administrative burden.

Industry:

Industry plays a key role in Europe for growth, creation of jobs and development of our exports. France and Germany support the objective of increasing the industralisation of Europe. France and Germany also take note of the report submitted by the Franco-German Working Group on “Competitiveness and Growth” chaired by Jean-Louis Beffa and Gerhard Cromme. Industrial competitiveness will be part of the June European Council discussions leading up to an in-depth debate at the February 2014 European Council.

Trade:

Further progress needs to be made both in strengthening the multilateral system and in the ongoing and upcoming bilateral negotiations. The aim must be to create growth and employment, this is why we must increase access of our companies to third country markets and remain determined to promote free, fair and open trade whilst asserting our interests, in a spirit of reciprocity and mutual benefit.

Strengthening Economic and Monetary Union

Financial market integration

Progress towards a more integrated financial framework is urgently needed in order to contribute to restore normal lending, improve competitiveness and bring about the necessary economic adjustments. The Single Supervisory Mechanism is a major breakthrough in this respect and an essential building block to develop further elements of a banking union. The Single Supervisory Mechanism therefore needs to be implemented effectively with specific attention to be paid to the process of entry under ECB supervision.

The banking union needs to be implemented within the agreed timetable for the different workstreams:

The Bank Recovery and Resolution Directive as well as the Deposit Guarantee Directive have to be concluded by the Council by the end of June 2013, to be followed by the approval by the European Parliament. We call on Member States to pursue rapid implementation into their national law.
Main features for the operational criteria for direct banking recapitalization scheme should be decided until the end of June 2013 in parallel with the negotiations on the Bank Recovery and Resolution Directive and the Deposit Guarantee Directive. As soon as these directives will be finalized with the European Parliament, the operational criteria for direct banking recapitalization scheme should be finalized as well.

The establishment of a Single Resolution Mechanism for countries participating in the Single Supervisory Mechanism has to build upon this with a view to adoption by the end of this parliamentary term. It should be established on the basis of the current treaties and on the basis of the following principles:

o A single resolution board involving national resolution authorities and allowing quick, effective and coherent decision-making at the central level. o The single resolution mechanism should be based on contributions by the financial sector itself, thus pre-financing over time an appropriate and effective private backstop arrangement building on national private backstop arrangements. o With private backstop elements growing in importance over time, the ESM should play the role of an additional public backstop both through lending facilities to Member States or direct recapitalization based on the operational criteria still to be decided. o Looking ahead, we could explore the possibility to bring together the Single Resolution Mechanism and the ESM.

Economic policy coordination and social dimension

The lesson to be drawn from the crisis is that we need to ensure effectively that national and European economic policies contribute to the proper functioning of Economic and Monetary Union.

France and Germany are convinced that by coordinating their economic policies, based on a common orientation for the economic policy of the euro area, Member States will be able to increase competitiveness, growth and employment, provide prosperity to their citizens and assert our economic and social model in an increasingly competitive world.

Economic policy at Euro area level:

To devise a strengthened economic policy coordination that achieves this, we need – in a first step – to establish a common assessment on what are the key factors, indicators and problems we need to look at in order to identify the reforms and measures required of each Member State and at the European level. This will form the basis for the development of an economic policy at Euro area level as well as the framework in which relevant national policies and reforms will be justified.

Indicators:

we cannot wait for problems to accumulate into macro-economic imbalances before an assessment sets in. Our goal should be to make our economies more resilient, innovative and competitive while ensuring that damaging imbalances do not develop. Therefore, France and Germany propose to develop further, building on existing instruments, a set of indicators contributing to provide a commonly accepted economic diagnosis of the euro area and all Euro area Member States at an earlier stage and on a broader basis. Those indicators should allow, inter alia, identifying the weaknesses and vulnerabilities in the economy as a whole, as well as, for example, in product markets, in labour markets and as regards external aspects of competitiveness. These indicators would evolve depending on national situations as well as over time and should be specifically targeted to our aims.

Policy areas:

This diagnosis will contribute to the identification of the policy areas on which actions need to be taken as a matter of priority by Member States and at the European level, the guiding principles being that the policy areas submitted to strengthened economic policy coordination should be that they are essential for the functioning of EMU and the achievement of high levels of growth and employment. They could, for example, comprise:

o labour market , o unemployment and social inclusion, o retirement policies, o product market, o general taxation, o public sector efficiency , o innovation and the education system, vocational education and training.

Tax systems:

The convergence of tax systems is vital in an EMU in order to ensure the coherence of the euro area's economic policy. We are ready to complete the negotiation for the Financial Transaction Tax and re-launch the agenda for fiscal convergence with all voluntary Member States starting with resuming the work on the common corporate tax base.

Social dimension:

Taking into account the social dimension is a political imperative as well as an economic necessity. Social imbalances must be prevented. We agree that we need to preserve a high-quality education and broad opportunities for lifelong learning in order to ensure the highest possible level of qualification. We also agree that we need to preserve a high level of social protection, combined with a strengthened competitiveness, and fight against unemployment. Therefore, the economic diagnosis should take into account developments such as youth unemployment and other social objectives as in the Europe 2020 strategy (20-64 years-old to be employed; school drop-out rates; 30-34 years-old completing third level education; people in or at risk of poverty or social exclusion). France and Germany invite the Commission to monitor these developments in the framework of the European Semester as well as in the diagnosis for euro area Member States.

We also propose considering implementing minimum wage floors, defined at national level, that would guarantee a high level of employment and fair wages – leaving the choice between legislation and collective-bargaining agreements. France and Germany are calling for encouraging cross-border worker mobility by removing obstacles, improving cooperation between employment services (building upon the EURES platform) and facilitating the portability of rights in case of mobility.

To reach the end of establishing a common assessment in the first step, France and Germany propose in-depth discussions at the level of Heads of State or Government in the autumn 2013 on indicators and policy areas.

Contractual arrangements for competitiveness and growth and solidarity mechanisms:

Only on the basis of this common assessment of what we – as Member States and together as an Economic and Monetary Union – need to do to keep our economies continuously geared towards competitiveness, growth and employment, we will be able to devise processes which combine legitimacy with ownership. In particular, we should – in a second step – define better the concept of contractual arrangements for competitiveness and growth with a differentiated approach engaging all Euro area Member States while taking into account their specific situation. Member States' competences and the principle of subsidiarity will be respected. Member States and the European level will enter into contractual arrangements. Both sides will be committed to implement the undertakings decided under these contractual arrangements. Non Euro area Member States are invited to participate on a voluntary basis.

Solidarity mechanisms should be developed in this context. A new system of limited and conditional financial incentives specific to the Euro area will be set up to jointly support efforts undertaken by Member states concluding contractual arrangements as part of an overall set of provisions including non-financial incentives. The creation of a specific fund for the Euro area will be useful in this context.

Building on the establishment of a common assessment, France and Germany propose an in-depth discussion at the level of Heads of State or Government at the end of the year on the nature and modalities of contractual arrangements as well as on the resources and modalities for such a fund.

Euro-area governance:

A stronger Euro area requires stronger Euro area governance and a stronger legitimacy. The deepening of the EMU should be implemented while ensuring at every stage and at every level the democratic nature of decisions and the effectiveness of procedures. France and Germany propose to strengthen the governance of the Euro area after the next European elections with the beginning of the next terms office of the presidents of the European institutions. This could include:

o more regular Euro area summits ; a full-time President for the Eurogroup of Finance Ministers relying on wider resources and the possibility for the Eurosummit to task other Euro area Ministers, for example employment and social affairs, research or economics ministers, to take work forward on specific Euro area matters.

o dedicated structures specific to the Euro area to be set up within the European Parliament after the next European elections to ensure adequate democratic control and legitimacy of European decision-making, with the means to achieve this to be left for the Parliament to decide. At the same time, democratic control, legitimacy and ownership must be ensured at the national level for decisions falling into national competence. Adequate procedures need to be developed to ensure this.

o Social partners both on national and on European level should have an enhanced role. On the EU level, this could include better use of the Tripartite Social Summit as well as more regular dialogue with the social partners should be, while respecting their autonomy.

We, France and Germany, invite our partners and the European institutions to reflect on these proposals with a view to the upcoming June European Council. We consider that these are steps to be taken within the next two years in the deepening of our Economic and Monetary Union towards a stronger Europe of Stability and Growth – to the benefit of our citizens.

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Here below the joint press conference

CONCERT IN HONOUR OF THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ELYSÉE TREATY

Webmestre — 2013-05-18T13:04:00Z

The Embassy of Germany and the Embassy of France in cooperation with the Barroco Foundation are hosting on the 8th of May 2013 at 8PM, in Villa Bologna's gardens in Attard, a unique concert to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Friendship Treaty linking France to Germany, which was signed at the Elysée Palace in Paris in 1963.

Agnès Pyka, violinist, and Bruno Robilliard, pianist, will present a program inspired by four French and German composers: Maurice Ravel, Robert Schumann, Gabriel Fauré and Johannes Brahms.

On the 9th of May 1950 during his famous speech, Robert Schuman, the former French minister of foreign affairs, declared : “Europe will not be build all at a time, nor can it be constructed as a whole : it will be made by concrete projects aiming to achieve real solidarity”.

With those words in mind, “The Elysée Treaty” was signed on the 22nd of January 1963 by the president Charles de Gaulle and the chancellor Konrad Adenauer. This agreement set the cooperation objectives between France and Germany. A better cooperation between those two States is established through reforms in multiple areas such as foreign policy, defence, science, culture and Human rights. Moreover, the Treaty worked in favour of European institutions: the European Economic Community was greatly improved through the Franco-German alliance. Europe's dark memories of the Franco-German war of 1870 and the two world wars were definitively put aside.

Symbolically taking place on the 8th of May, commemorating the anniversary of the end of the Second World War, the concert will remind us all of the value of the efforts made in favour of a unified and pacific Europe and the importance of the relationship between France and Germany regarding the European integration process.

Detailed program

Presentation of the musicians

BIR MIFTUH FESTIVAL 2013 — Concert in the chapel of Saint Mary ta' Bir Miftuh

Webmestre — 2013-05-15T08:51:00Z

As it occurs every year, the « Din L-Art Helwa » organisation presents at the Chapel of Saint Mary ta' Bir Miftuh a series of concerts as part of the Bir Miftuh International music festival.

To celebrate the 2013 edition, on the 17th of May, the French Embassy in cooperation with the Alliance Française Malte – Méditerranée are inviting two renowned French performers: Bruno Procopio, harpsichordist, and Patrick Bismuth, baroque violinist, who will pay tribute to French baroque music.
The concert will start at 8 pm.

* Booking : Din l-Art Ħelwa , tél. 21225952/21220358 or
info@dinlarthelwa.org.
Price : 20 € per person.

===== PROGRAM =====

Jean-Féry Rebel (1666-1747)
Pièces pour le violon divisées par suites de tons
Prélude, Allemande, Courante, Sarabande, Gigue, Passacaille

François Couperin (1668-1733)
Concerts Royaux - Premier Concert
Prélude, Allemande, Sarabande, Gavotte, Gigue, Menuet en Trio

Louis -Gabriel Guillemain (1705-1770)
Amusements pour le violon seul

Jean-Marie Leclair (1697-1764)
Quatrième livre de Sonates à violon seul avec basse continue
Sonata VIII
Andante ma non tropo, Allegro Assai, Andante

François Couperin (1668-1733)
Pièces de clavecin
La Garnier, Les Ondes, Les Barricades Mystérieuses

Jean-Philippe Rameau (1683-1764)
Extraits de pièces de clavecin en concerts
Le Vézinet, La Laborde, La Boucon, La Lapoplinière

Presentation of the composers (in french)

Presentation of the musicians (in french)

Inventors compete at the Concours Lépine of the Foire de Paris

Webmestre — 2013-05-14T09:11:11Z

From 30 April to 12 May 2013, the Parc des Expositions de Paris hosted the traditional Foire de Paris, an exceptional event that brings together exhibitions for the general public, including the famous Concours Lépine, the Oscars' equivalent for inventors.

- Economic news / actualite

Leading-edge economic sectors: France's trump card

Webmestre — 2013-05-06T07:28:51Z

With a GDP of 2,033.7 billion euros, France ranks as the fifth world economy and second at European level. Positions sustained by the performances of certain business sectors, symbolic of France's influence abroad. In 2012, according to Fortune magazine, which classifies businesses according to size of turnover, 32 French businesses figured among the top 500.

- Economic news / actualite

France applies for the Human Rights Council

Webmestre — 2013-04-26T07:45:11Z

France has submitted its application to the Human Rights Council of the United Nations (HRC) in Geneva, for a three-year mandate from 1st January 2014 to 31st December 2016. France has already served two mandates at the Council, between 2006 and 2011. The HRC counts 47 member states, and is renewed by third every year. It is the UN principal organ for the defence of the Human rights.

France is presenting its candidacy to the Human Rights Council with a view to promoting the highest standards of Human Rights protection, which are funding values of the Republic. France relentless commitment to the High Commissioner is accompanied since 2006 with initiatives and resolutions to draw the International Community's attention to the most critical situations regarding the Human Rights. France gives an uncompromising consideration to the Women's rights, the rights of the child, and to Civil and political rights.

As a candidate to the HRC, France is committed to upholding the highest standard of human rights at a national level, as well as at the international level. France undertakes to:

Ensure the promotion and protection of all human rights.

Support the gradual realization of the right to education, health, food and water.

Strengthen international mobilization for respect of women's rights and pursue its commitment to the rights of the child.

Promote freedom of opinion and expression.

Encourage States to combat arbitrary detention.

Step up the fight against impunity and promote the right to truth and justice.


Leaflet of presentation for the application of France

Meeting in Paris between President François HOLLANDE and Prime Minister Joseph MUSCAT

Webmestre — 2013-04-25T07:21:51Z