Written by Roch Le Mercier, CNN
German Chancellor Angela Merkel, President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Theresa May were among the participants at a Group of 20 Leaders’ Summit in Buenos Aires.
On Friday, French President Emmanuel Macron outlined his vision for a more assertive and empowered European Union at the G20 summit held in Buenos Aires.
Here’s how we can translate his vision into action.
Two pillars
Macron said one of the goals of his leadership was to get Europe back on a strong economic path. To do this, he calls for two key pillars: strengthening Europe’s economic and monetary union and offering a platform for ideas that will enhance competitiveness throughout the continent.
Macron said the French President’s vision of a more assertive European Union is aimed at better integrating EU countries through free movement of goods, capital and labor
“We need the strongest and most ambitious economic framework that is ready, not just for years ahead, but for decades to come,” Macron said in his speech to the G20.
Through two pillars, Europe would be able to share common policy targets — be it a stimulus plan or investment in clean energy — and would even participate in more global forums, said Macron.
Full support for Catalan sovereignty
Another part of Macron’s vision is the one with which the United Kingdom — along with the rest of the EU — totally disagrees.
According to CNN, the President’s statement in Argentinian seemed to back the Catalan referendum for independence and challenged how the UK treats the Catalan dispute.
“We will support the territorial integrity of Spain, but we will never accept any legal judgement that threatens the integrity of the United Kingdom,” he said.
His statements come at a time when the Catalonian authorities are preparing for their independence referendum scheduled for October 1.
Mexico and Mexico
The Mexican Prime Minister’s office said on Friday that President Enrique Pena Nieto had signed a “strategic partnership” agreement with Macron. The statement said the partnership would focus on security, migration, economic and energy relations.
“Mexico is the United States’ main partner in Central America,” the statement said. “After the United States, Mexico is the second most important partner in terms of bilateral trade. We are aware of this relationship and are determined to strengthen it.”
An end to trade spats
Speaking on the trade front, the French President said he was going to be welcoming the US and China to future negotiations as part of a broader effort to resolve trade and trade disputes.
Macron said his vision was one that “achieves balance, we aim to harmonize the tax systems,” as well as to address issues surrounding trade.