The terrorist attacks of January and November sent a shockwave well beyond our borders. France has been targeted for its values – that are shared worldwide by many people of all origins and creeds – and also for its role in the fight against terrorist organisations. Many countries became aware of the urgent need to rally all forces to get rid of Daesh [the so-called Islamic State] and it’s kin, which is also – first and foremost – a terrible plague for the populations under their rule in the Middle East and Africa.
The aim of building political, social and economic stability will inspire our work with the Western Balkan countries, while preparing with them for their next regional summit in Paris
Meanwhile, we must not lose sight of longer-term challenges. This is why France hosted the UN Conference on climate change – COP 21. Against all odds, we reached the goal on 12th December: a universal agreement to keep the rise of global temperature well below 2°C by the end of the century. The “Paris Alliance for climate”, which includes a wide range of social and economic actors, paves the way for the transformation of our economies, in order to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
2015 has put a lot of stress on the European Union once again, with continued financial and economic challenges, and additional tensions created by the refugee crisis… France sticks to its long-term vision of a Europe based on shared European values and solidarity, a duty for all Member States.
In Serbia, the opening of the first negotiation chapters on 14th December marks a new step forward on its European path, achieved thanks to the continued commitment of Serbia, and the reforms carried out so far. The implementation, by both parties, of the agreements reached between Belgrade and Pristina must continue.
On the basis of the action plans prepared in the fields of rule of law, justice, human rights etc., the opening of chapters 23 and 24 early in 2016 will allow new reforms to be put in place. Serbia can count on France as a friend and partner in facing the challenges.
Relations among neighbouring countries in the region have improved globally this year, despite incidents, sometimes serious, which show that overcoming the past is not easy. In that field, it is also important to look forward and build a future of political, social and economic stability for younger generations. These aims will inspire our work with the Western Balkan countries while preparing with them their annual regional cooperation summit, which Paris will host next summer.