Back from the Dead, Again E

July EUR PE 2019 Diplomatic magazine

As with Caesar, so with Tony Blair

OLAF and Belgium customs busting crime perpetrators

BERLUSCONI Back from the dead, again E

3 BRUSSELS - PARIS - GENEVA - MONACO

EUROPEDIPLOMATIC EDITORIAL

s he prepares to leave the Presidency of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker has been Anamed European Leader of the Year by Euronews and the European Business Summit (EBS). This may seem a consolation for someone who last March, during a press conference said “I believe in heaven and I have never seen hell, except when I was doing my my job”. He was answering a reporter who had quoted Donald Tusk, then president of the European Council, claiming that “there was a special place in hell for those who promoted Brexit without even an inkling of a plan for carrying it out safely”. During his tenure, Juncker has been widely criticized by British pro-Brexiteers as well as the media. Especially when he suggested that Theresa May failed to set out a clear vision in the attempt to rescue her controversial Brexit deal in December 2018. To be fair, it should be said that Brexit overshadowed most of Juncker’s positive achievements concerning the economic stability of the eurozone, as well as other matters. Blaming a man in his mid-sixties for indulging in Bordeaux wine, or characterizing him as ‘the master of lies’ as one journalists did by comparing him to Nazi propaganda chief Joseph Goebbels, seems to somewhat lack decency. After all, during his five-year term as President of the European Commission, he had to face multiple economic and political torments that plagued Europe. Among these, Brexit has probably been the most challenging issue in Europe’s political history. As always in politics, it is the lessons from history that will determine Europe’s future, as well as the achievements of its leaders. Many will be relegated to the dustbin of history, while others will be remembered for their courage as political leaders, who sought to get Europe out of its inextricable dilemmas and challenges. As for Jean-Claude Juncker, it is certain that without his tireless efforts, many stumbling blocks would have remained, to be faced by the next President of the European Commission. Let us, as a final farewell gesture, mention his last words during his State of the Union address in 2018. He quoted French philosopher Blaise Pascal: “I like things that go together. In order to stand on its own two feet, Europe must move forward as one. To love Europe, is to love its nations. To love your nation is to love Europe. Patriotism is a virtue. Unchecked nationalism is riddled with both poison and deceit”. Adding his own thoughts, he said: “In short, we must remain true to ourselves. The trees we plant today must provide shade for our great grand-children whether they hail from East or West, from South or North. To give them all they need to grow and breathe easily. A few years ago, standing in this very same spot, I told you that Europe was the love of my life. I love Europe still and shall do so forever more”. Whether he decides to go fishing or enjoy visiting French wine cellars during his possible retirement, or even head back to politics again, we wish him fair winds and following seas.

The Editor-in-Chief Trajan Dereville

EUR PE “EUROPE DIPLOMATIC MAGAZINE” is characterized by a very open editorial line that allows it to capture all the themes that affect directly or indirectly the European political, economic, social and security issues. Whether piracy in the Gulf of Aden Diplomatic and its threats to the global economy, articles about political leaders, geostrategic situations or technological developments magazine affecting our civilization, Europe Diplomatic Magazine strives to work in comparing opinions and providing an objective analysis based on extensive research. For a wide audience composed of both members of the diplomatic corps, lobbyists, international officials or academics, the magazine gives everyone the necessary and useful information about all topics that make up our daily lives. Covering sensitive issues such as nuclear, the rise of Islamism and energy dependence, the magazine opens its pages to recognized specialists who would like to express first order and exclusive information. But Europe Diplomatic Magazine is not only a source of information on recent topics. It is also addressing older facts with deep thought fur further analysis. Whether it’s news, security, diplomacy, technology, energy, terrorism, European affairs, no subject is treated superficially. Europe Diplomatic Magazine is an independent media, conveying balanced ideas of openness and analysis based on almost 30 years of experience in the journalistic world. Visit our site and please give us your comments: https://europe-diplomatic.eu/ [email protected]

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Nikola Hendrickx

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t would undoubtedly be a cause of shock and alarm to The unexpected reappearance of the supposedly departed see someone you believed to be dead turn up at a feast has been the theme of many a horror film and many a leg- and take your chair. It certainly alarms Shakespeare’s end, especially in certain parts of Eastern Europe such as IMacbeth, when the ghost of the man he has had murdered, the Carpathian Mountains. As Lady Macbeth says, such his former friend, Banquo, appears to him whilst remaining tales “could well become a woman’s story at a winter’s fire”. invisible to his wife and their guests. Well, it would upset Take Dracula, that wonderful 1897 creation of the Irish anyone, wouldn’t it? Macbeth makes clear to his doubting author, Bram Stoker, for instance. The book has inspired wife how the experience is upsetting him: no end of films, with sequels galore, letting the toothsome “The time has been that when the brains were out, the man Count come back to life so often that his crypt would need would die, a revolving door and a willing servant to change and wash And there an end: but now they rise again his shroud regularly. It’s a strange fact that people enjoy be- With twenty mortal murders on their crowns, ing horrified and frightened by the so-called “undead”. The And push us from our stools”. tag-line for George Romero’s classic 1978 horror movie, What would he have made of Silvio Berlusconi, Italy’s third Dawn of the Dead, was: “When there's no more room in longest serving Prime Minister and Machiavelian political hell, the dead will walk the earth.” It’s a horrible notion and manipulator? one with no logical justification, even in the movie.

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itself more closely with the far right. ternative for Germany (AfD) party. He recently tweeted: "The EPP must Salvini has tried to put obstacles in the leave the alliance with the Socialists way of Berlusconi’s return from the and turn to the right, to the conser- political wilderness, hoping that he vatives and the nationalists. I am would not need to ally his League with convinced that even Orbán (Viktor Forza Italia. Berlusconi was forced to Orbán, controversial Prime Minis- give up his seat in the Italian Senate ter of Hungary) and Salvini" (Matteo in 2013 following a conviction for Salvini, Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister tax fraud and a further conviction in and leader of Lega Nord) "can enter 2015 seemed to many commentators this alliance to transform Europe into to have put the final nail is the coffin a Europe for growth." He campaigned of his political career. He also served a alongside Salvini to win a regional gu- community service sentence, working bernatorial election in Abruzzo earlier in a retirement home, helping inmates this year for the neo-Fascist Brothers with parlour games and sing-songs. © EDM Silvio Berlusconi - Romano Prodi of Italy party, which is even further to It should have suited his talents as a the right than Lega Nord. former singer on a cruise ship. His But cosying up to populists can have ban on public office was overturned in THE COMEBACK negative consequences, as Sebastian 2018 when the Milan Appellate Court Kurtz, leader of the centre-right Aus- decided he had been “rehabilitated”. KID RIDES AGAIN trian People’s Party, discovered when The ban would have run out in 2019 he assumed he could go into coali- in any case. When have you ever seen the dead rise tion with the far-right FPÖ leader, up and displace the living? Until now. Heinz-Christian Strache, while rein- Well, not dead, in fact, but assumed ing in Strache’s more extreme politics, to be a figure from the past, someone ONE VISION, only to see his new partner caught in whose true place is in a history book, a sting operation that left him mired MANY VIEWS rather than a political chamber. Mac- in an apparent attempt to let a fake beth was upset because they “push Russian oligarch take over Austria’s He says he has a vision for Europe but us from our stools”. But what if they biggest newspaper and fill it with pro- it veers very close to populism, at least push us from our seats in the Euro- FPÖ propaganda. Mr Kurtz ended the in part. When he announced his plans pean Parliament? All stand, please, alliance while Mr Strache resigned in to contest the European Parliamentary for Silvio Berlusconi, who at the age tears. And if the European Peoples’ elections, he made his position clear. of 82 has re-entered mainstream pol- Party followed Berlosconi’s lead and "This time the European elections can- itics as an MEP. Forced to step down drifted towards populism, there could not be underestimated because Eu- as Prime Minister of Italy in 2011 as be a political cost. “If they move any rope's need for change is urgent,” Ber- its economy went into meltdown, he further right - and they’ve gone a lusconi said, “for the interests of Italy has decided on a comeback, saying he long way - they we start losing those but also and above all for the role that had “a sense of responsibility to head from the centre to ‘Renew Europe’ Europe must return to playing in the for Europe, where there is a lack of as they don’t want to be in bed with world. The world today is a much less deep thinking about the world.” Such Fidesz and PiS,” according to former secure place than in the past, perhaps an accusation has only carried weight MEP Glyn Ford, who was at one time it has never been so dangerous since since the arrival in Europe’s elected Deputy Leader of the Socialist and 1945. Today there is no longer a power chambers of populists who proclaim Democratic Group in the European that protects the global order.” Could simple answers for all the people’s ills. Parliament and who wrote the book this have been a dig at Donald Trump? Sadly, Berlusconi may almost have a “Talking to North Korea”. His declaration on his party’s elec- point when he says “In Brussels I will tioneering website sounds convincing remain the sole levee against anti-Eu- As he began a campaign to restore his enough: “The nationalists fight Europe ropean nationalism.” There remain centre-right Forza Italia party to the in the name of our identity. They do not others, perhaps better suited to such political forefront, Berlusconi told re- understand, perhaps they do not know, a role. Berlusconi certainly says he porters that “Europe must return to that Europe is our identity,” he writes, believes in Europe, almost as much as being a continent ‘that counts’ and not “it is the system of values and the life- he clearly believes in Berlusconi. Who one of ‘divided states’”. And yet he has style we are used to. Europe is the great would have thought just a few years campaigned alongside Matteo Salvi- Western culture, the one that built the ago that people might one day see ni, aligning Forza Italia with Salvini’s cathedrals of the Middle Ages, created the man famed for his “bunga-bunga” virulently anti-immigrant and Eu- the music of Beethoven or Bach, Verdi parties as a bulwark against the march ro-sceptic Lega Nord, thus strength- or Chopin, the books of Dante, Goethe, of anti-European populism? But is he? ening Italy’s political right. Salvini Shakespeare, the philosophy of Aristo- He wants to see the centre-right Eu- has recently been making a point of tle of Saint Thomas, by Kant.” Reading ropean People’s Party (EPP) group, to upsetting France, accusing it of “steal- it, one can almost hear the European which his Forza Italia party belongs, ing wealth” from Africa. He has also anthem, Beethoven’s Ode to Joy, play- create greater distance from the cen- shared a political platform with Jörg ing in the background, but it’s not the tre-left Social democrats by aligning Meuthen of Germany’s far-right Al- sort of Euro-enthusiasm that is likely

6 EUROPEDIPLOMATIC to find many allies among the more and infrastructure) and better respect will support them. Presumably he nationalist parties represented in the for the environment. Berlusconi the will. Berlusconi’s party won 8.8%, a new European Parliament. “The only green? It seems uncharacteristic, some- slight drop in support but enough to thing that the Caruso of Italian poli- how, although he appeared in a 2017 send him to Brussels and Strasbourg. tics seems not to understand is that the video for the Italian League in Defence Even so, he is expected to see a drift culture of Europe, and the institutions of Animals, urging people to “choose a away from Forza Italia in favour of of the European Union are very differ- vegetarian Easter” while hand-feeding Salvini’s Lega Nord and the neo-fas- ent things,” commented Gawain Tow- five lambs he claimed to have saved cist Brothers of Italy. ler, Director of Communications with from the dinner table. Lamb is the Nigel Farage’s Eurosceptic Brexit Party, dish traditionally served at Easter in which returned the highest number of Italy. It annoyed Italy’s meat industry, NON-STICK, NOT British MEPs in the recent European which may well have been the inten- elections. “One is watered by the range tion: Assocarni, the lobby group of It- FLAME-PROOF of cultures, histories and differences of aly’s butchers, called on advertisers to the peoples and nations of Europe, and boycott Berlusconi’s TV channels and Berlusconi can hardly avoid attracting one seeks to co-opt these things whilst publications in retaliation. attention and headlines by re-entering draining them of their vitality in favour the political fray despite his colourful of a one-culture-fits-all approach.” I But his green credentials seem some- past and his dubious record in office. have to point out that within the Eu- what cosmetic, however. Compas- He was known as “the Teflon don” ropean Union, that would be held as sion hasn’t normally seemed to figure because the muck simply didn’t stick. very much a minority view. And the highly among his priorities, but may- Anyone who has ever owned a non- range of views espoused by Berlusconi be that doesn’t matter to voters. In any stick pan, however, will know that the sounds suspiciously like something case, it doesn’t sit well with his par- Teflon coating can wear away with Grouch Marx once said: “Those are my ty’s demand that no more EU money time. And even if many people have principles, and if you don't like them... should be spent on immigrants. Salvi- forgotten - or, in the case of younger well I have others.” ni’s Lega Nord surprised everyone by voters, were unaware of -Berlusconi’s taking more than 34% of the vote in record, Italians deserted him in droves the European elections. He was jubi- because of corruption scandals, diplo- LAMBS TO THE lant in victory: "It's not just Italy,” he matic blunders on a grand scale (he said, “it's Le Pen in France, Farage in reportedly called Angela Merkel an SLAUGHTER the U.K., it's Hungary, Poland.” He “unf***able lard-arse and also insulted may not be keen on an alliance in It- the then leader of the Socialist group Certainly, Berlusconi’s manifesto aly with Berlusconi’s Forza Italia, but in the European Parliament, Martin sounds moderate and reasonable - he believes the overall results will Schulz, who went on to become Pres- more powers for the European Parlia- strengthen his position elsewhere. “I ident of the Parliament, by suggesting ment, a common foreign and defence am counting on having allies every- he should be cast as a concentration policy, protecting Italy against unfair where to save the EU ... to change its camp trusty - a prisoner who also competition - but also includes an rules. We finally have to change after serves as a guard - in a film about the end to irregular immigration, giving decades of bureaucrats and bankers' Second World War. It made Schulz a Italy a leading role in Mediterranean rules." He did not clarify what those hero and an icon of the Left) as well affairs (including immigration, energy changes might be, nor if Berlusconi as stories of private sex parties. He has been cleared on appeal of having paid for sex with an underage Moroccan nightclub dancer, known as “Ruby the Heart-stealer” (real name Karima El-Mahroug) after the judge decided he could not have known for certain that she was only 17 and therefore too young (the age of consent in Ita- ly is 18) and after twenty-five others who had attended his parties testified that they were merely “posh dinners”. He had originally been sentenced to a seven-year jail term. El-Mahroug admitted having attended one of his parties and having received money from Berlusconi but denies having had sex with him. His alleged affair with Ruby was not just about sex with a minor; he was accused of an abuse of power by putting pressure on the police to drop a shoplifting charge

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Mafia boss, Giuseppe Graviano, was recorded in conversation at Asco- li Piceno prison with a fellow inmate describing Berlusconi as a ‘traitor’ for betraying the Cosa Nostra, as it’s called. The “Teflon Don” tag doesn’t just refer to his ability to shrug off scandals but to a popular public conception that he is (or was) a “Don” in the Mafia sense of the word. He denies it. Graviano, in the taped conversation, allegedly said his Mafia family had helped Ber-

© EDM lusconi but that once he became successful, Berlusconi decided he didn’t need to share his good fortune with cused of witness tampering in Milan, aly’s first private nationwide channel, those who had supported him. Gravi- Sienna, Rome and Turin by alleged- Canale 5. In 1984, judges in Turin, ano also said that Berlusconi had done ly paying those witnesses who said Pescara and Rome tried to close down “shameful and unjust things” while in the parties had been innocent, classy Berlusconi’s channels, but he had be- government. He seems to have pledged events while keeping quiet about what come friendly with the then Socialist revenge, supposedly calling Berlusconi really happened at his “bunga-bun- leader and Prime Minister, Bettino “Mr. Cuckold” and accusing him of ga” parties. It has been suggested that Craxi, who simply overturned the lavishing money on prostitutes while Berlusconi paid out some €10-million decision by reclassifying the channels he himself has rotted in jail for 24 in bribes to them. Even so, few peo- as “legal”. It emerged many years later years. Given their relative situations, it ple seem to believe the parties were than Craxi’s offshore bank accounts hard to see how such a threat could be candle-lit dinners, as the witnesses were enriched to the tune of some carried out, however long the Mafia’s were saying, while one of the young 21-billion lira (€15-million) from Ber- reach, but I’m sure Berlusconi watches women who claimed they were sex lusconi’s Fininvest media group. his back very carefully. He may need to. parties, 34-year-old Moroccan-born Imane Fidal, died in mysterious cir- Ever ambitious, Berlusconi decided cumstances in March, alleging she to try his hand at politics, forming his A STONY ROAD had been poisoned. The autopsy re- Forza Italia party in 1993. The follow- port into her death is due to be pub- ing year he became Prime Minister for AHEAD lished this July. She had claimed that the first time. Losing to the centre-left women performed striptease dances Romano Prodi in 1996, he set about Italy’s position within Europe, and the at the parties in what Berlusconi later building a coalition of right-wing par- attitude of its fractious coalition gov- dismissed as “burlesque contests” and ties, making a lot of expensive prom- ernment, are likely to figure in Ber- “theatrical events”. ises to the electorate, such as higher lusconi’s political calculations. Italy’s pensions, more jobs and cutting down debt to GDP ratio remains stubborn- on crime. He was swept to victory, ly at 130% of GDP, the second high- ONCE UPON later claiming to have fulfilled most est in the euro area and is forecast to of his election promises during what increase over the years immediately A TIME turned out to be a turbulent premier- ahead. As a result, the European Com- ship. When his opponents poured mission has begun an excessive deficit Monsters do not just rise from the scorn on his claims he blamed a bi- procedure against Italy, which is not grave; like Dracula, they have to have ased media. likely to enhance the EU’s popularity some kind of back-story, a beginning; there. The main bone of contention Vlad Dracul was a hero in Wallachia, here is not the deficit itself, which so now part of Romania. Silvio Ber- RISING, far has stayed below 3% of GDP, but lusconi was raised in a middle-class the fact that public debt is not falling. household in Milan and evacuated MOB-HANDED? It’s a state of affairs that could play into with his mother to the countryside Salvini’s hands, but which is also like- during World War II. His father, Luigi, What of the other allegation that dogs ly to prove useful to Berlusconi who was a bank employee. Berlusconi be- Berlusconi’s steps? He has always de- wants to see reform of the European gan his career selling vacuum cleaners nied having links to organised crime, Central Bank to focus less on con- but rose to riches in the construction but when he entered politics he was trolling inflation and more on invest- industry, erecting some four thousand helped by Mercello Dell’Utri, who is ment and employment. Austerity is apartments in Milan in the 1960s. Us- currently serving a jail term for his unpopular everywhere so Berlusconi ing his profits from that, he launched links to the Sicilian Mafia. Dell’Utri will have none of it. a small local cable TV station. It was a had business ties with Berlusconi over success and he bought more channels, many years but was arrested in Leba- Not everyone is convinced that this eventually founding his media group, non in 2014 after fleeing Italy the pre- political chameleon is about to settle Fininvest, in 1978, later setting up It- vious day. And that’s not all. Another on a single set of policies nor even do

8 EUROPEDIPLOMATIC any useful work at all in Brussels or thing for nothing. I’m not sure he’s octogenarian be called a kid. More Strasbourg. “I cannot believe he will either willing - or able - to put in the energetic and ambitious than many a have the inclination to familiarise time necessary to be a lead figure in fraction of his age, Berlusconi seems himself with the procedures of the the EPP. No-one else can do the ‘heavy determined to ensure he plays a part EP in any great depth or to partici- lifting’ for him.” Few, it seems, would in Italy’s future, whatever it may hold, pate in its detailed legislative work,” be willing to try. right up to the finish line. Meanwhile, commented Brendan Donnelly of the he has addressed his embarrassment London-based research institute, The over losing his hair with at least two Federal Trust. “I expect he will use his HARING AHEAD, transplants, the first in 2004. He was new position as a platform in the do- criticised by Microsoft founder and mestic Italian debate, where the role RE-HAIRING philanthropist Bill Gates for spend- of MEP is regarded with greater re- ing so much on dealing with his own spect than it is in this country.” This A HEAD hairline at a time when Italian contri- is something many British commen- butions to overseas aid were especial- tators may miss: elsewhere in Europe, Berlusconi is not only a politician and ly puny. Prior to that, Berlusconi was the European Parliament is held in media tycoon. He has also been an known to try to meet journalists while higher regard than it is in the UK or active owner and investor in football. standing on a raised platform or with in the pages of Britain’s popular (and He sold top Serie A side AC Milan in his aides carrying convenient umbrel- often misleading) newspapers and its April, 2017, and has now bought Serie las. He always tried to keep camera members seen as relatively import- C side, Monza, with the aim of mak- crews covering the many EU summits ant. After all, the European Parlia- ing it an “all-Italian” team. An ‘all-Ital- he attended from getting clear shots of ment takes decisions that affect every ian’ Monza is “a reaction to the Serie the top of his head. He once tried to EU country. So will Berlusconi be an A teams who field 11 foreigners with explain his hair loss by saying "I have asset in his new role? “I can imagine unpronounceable names,” he told re- little hair because my brain is so big it Berlusconi as making the occasional porters, “I want to make them a model pushes the hair out." It was a problem provocative speech in the plenary but team with only players who are Italian, he shared with one of his heroes, Ju- not as voting on endless amendments young and without beards, tattoos or lius Caesar, a man also notorious for in committee,” said Donnelly. “Over earrings. I only want players who, if being shy about his bald spot as well the years a number of prominent Eu- they commit a foul, apologise to their as being somewhat libidinous in his ropean politicians have done a brief opponents, who approach referees with activities. During his Gallic triumphs, time as MEPs , only to cede their po- education, who write autographs well.” Julius Caesar’s soldiers composed and sitions when something better came The fans, I would guess, also hope they sang a ribald song about him, accord- up at home. I expect Berlusconi will can play football acceptably, however ing to the Roman historian, Seutonius: do likewise.” hairy or physically decorated. And in Home we bring our bald whoremonger; any case, Berlusconi has already signed Romans, lock your wives away! The man seems unstoppable. De- Matheus Paqueta, the brother of Mi- All the bags of gold you lent him spite a near fatal heart attack in 2016 lan’s Brazilian midfielder Lucas Paque- Went his Gallic tarts to pay. and emergency bowel surgery earli- ta. So maybe the “all-Italian” claim can er this year, he just keeps coming up be regarded as an aspiration rather It’s strange how history repeats itself. for more. The US business magazine than a serious requirement. His record However, no-one ever suggested Ju- Forbes estimates his family wealth at is impressive, though: he bought AC lius Caesar would come back from around €5.7-billion ($6.4-billion). He Milan in 1986 when it was on the brink the grave after he fell on the steps of has held the office of Prime Minister of insolvency and turned it into the Pompey’s theatre, stabbed by his po- three times, including for the longest most successful Italian football team litical opponents, and then cremat- political administration since the war, of all time. It cost him a lot of money, ed by the Roman mob in the Forum, from 2001 to 2006. But can he make it so why did he do it? “It is an affair of even though Shakespeare makes him as an MEP? Despite frequently hostile the heart, just like beautiful women,” he appear twice to Brutus before the Bat- media reports, being a member of the said, not uncharacteristically. During tle of Philippi (in Plutarch’s account, European Parliament can be a hard his 31 years as owner, AC Milan won the ghost merely refers to itself as “the slog. A former British Labour Party 29 trophies. As for Monza, he wants spirit of your doom, Brutus”). In Ber- minister in Harold Wilson’s 1960s ad- to make it as famous for its football as lusconi’s case, when he finally shuffles ministration, Barbara Castle (Baron- it is for hosting the Italian Formula 1 off this mortal coil, his enemies may ess Castle, as she became) once told Grand Prix. It will, however, take two not be so sure he’s really gone, given me it was a tougher job than being a promotions to rise from what is Italy’s his propensity for cropping up again government minister, with more trav- Third Division. And that is likely to when you least expect him. They may elling, more documents to study and require some heavy spending in the need a wooden stake and quite a lot more antisocial hours. And that view transfer window, plus some skilled of garlic to make sure of it. Otherwise, has been expressed by others, too. management, whatever the nationali- their wives and girlfriends will have to Berlusconi won’t find it an easy ride. ties of his players. sleep with the windows closed. “I think he’s a bit of a ‘busted flush’ on grounds of politics and biology,” says People have described Berlusconi as Glyn Ford, “The European Parliament the ultimate come-back kid. But by no is hard work and you don’t get some- stretch of the imagination could this By Jim Gibbons

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hen Julius Caesar was assas- play, the mob are swayed by Brutus’ or- FOLLOW THE LEADER sinated it was because pow- atory. Then Mark Antony speaks, initial- erful discontents in Rome ly in the face of hostility, and he assures Wfeared he was getting above himself. the people that his aim is merely to bury The first time I met Tony Blair he wasn’t Caesar insisted he was not a king, ac- Caesar, not to praise him. “The evil that sure he wanted to be interviewed by me. cording to the Greek-born Roman his- men do lives after them,” he says, “the It was at the Essen summit of the Eu- torian Plutarch, who clearly didn’t be- good is oft interred with their bones. ropean Union in December, 1994. As lieve his assurances. Caesar had showed So let it be with Caesar.” And so let it be part of the Brussels press corps I was disrespect to the Senate, too, which was with Tony Blair? there to report for Sky News and I had considered an insult to the people, and was too eager to go to war, even when it arranged the interview in advance with There is no modern Plutarch to write wasn’t necessary, such as against the Par- Alastair Campbell, a man I liked and the story of Tony Blair, although there thians and Scythia. Even so, another Ro- who was, I think, vital to Blair’s pre- are plenty of biographies, but Plutarch man historian, Seutonius, records that he miership. Things started to go wrong would surely have seen parallels. Great planned a new canal to improve access for Blair when their ways parted. The achievements but a feeling that he was to Rome, to drain the Pontine marshes, interview was one of a series, conduct- to build a highway from the Adriatic to “getting above himself”, getting too am- ed in the garden of the building being the Tiber and to provide the best possi- bitious and rather too keen to engage his used to house the media, and I was in a ble public libraries. He also reformed the troops in a war, whether or not it was queue behind the BBC’s John Pienaar, a calendar so that the various ceremonies truly justified. Blair has had no Ides of member of the Westminster lobby and lined up with their correct seasons. Am- March moment with dagger-wielding a familiar face for Blair. He didn’t know bitious stuff and undoubtedly good for conspirators, but his character has been me and didn’t seem keen to talk, asking Rome. After his murder, one of the con- assassinated many times in the media. Campbell in a stage whisper if he had spirators, Brutus, reassured the Roman Does he deserve that opprobrium? That to do the interview with someone he crowds that Caesar’s ambition had been is a judgement for tomorrow’s historians didn’t know. Campbell promptly, and his overriding fault. In Shakespeare’s to make. in no uncertain terms, said yes, he did

10 EUROPEDIPLOMATIC have to. I got the feeling Campbell was but it seems unlikely. Blair’s father was Brian Cox – now Professor Brian Cox very much in charge on that occasion. a practising Conservative, which would – on keyboards. Quantum particles and I can’t remember what I talked about not have gone down well in Sedgefield. political promises have something in with Blair but as he was still fairly new common. As the great Danish physicist to the job of Leader of the Labour Party The nearby city of Durham is the venue Niels Bohr once said: “Everything we call and therefore of Her Majesty’s Opposi- for the annual Miners’ Gala, at which real is made of things that cannot be re- tion, I’d guess it would have been British every coal mining town in the United garded as real.” Well, perhaps not every- politics, John Major’s administration Kingdom is supposed to be represent- thing. Blair saw his task as modernising and his plans for the future. It proba- ed, led by its inevitable brass band and the Labour Party, making it electable af- bly involved Europe, too. Blair has the carrying magnificent banners which are ter the party had suffered four successive memory and charm of the profession- proudly displayed to the various left- electoral defeats. The Labour Party lead- al and successful politician; it’s said he wing dignitaries and trades union leader who had been in Winton Churchill’s modelled himself on Bill Clinton, that ers on the balcony of the County Hotel. It wartime coalition government, Clement most practised and skilled worker of has been held on the second Saturday of Attlee, and who went on to oust Chur- crowds and “pressing the flesh” (shak- July since 1871, with brief breaks during chill as Prime Minister in the 1945 elec- ing hands). Establishing a rapport with wars or national strikes. These days the tion, had once said that he had felt “not the media is a skill which, to Blair, was slowly dwindling numbers of colliery much idea of destiny” when he came to as instinctive as breathing. towns and their banners are augmented power. From the hype surrounding the by other trades unions, keen to take part election of Blair it seems likely that, un- Anthony Charles Lynton Blair rose to in Britain’s biggest celebration of trades like Attlee, he did. He set out to distance the top of the Labour Party as a fresh, unionism. To the deep puzzlement of its the party from its traditional roots on the new face with a vision, following the organisers and regular participants, Blair fairly far Left. He eventually succeeded in sudden and early death of John Smith, never attended one during his time as abandoning the Party’s Clause IV pledge who had himself only been elected lead- Prime Minister. Although there are no to work towards “the common owner- er in 1992. Not everyone saw him as longer any deep mines in Durham or the ship of the means of production, distri- Smith’s natural heir apparent. “He didn’t rest of the United Kingdom, the Gala – bution, and exchange”; in other words, strike me as someone who would go to called by locals the “Big Meeting” – still a programme of nationalisation. One the top,” admits Linda McAvan, a young attracts some 50,000 people every year, British Labour member of the European party activist at the time who went on mostly from former mining commu- Parliament at the time, Scotland’s Alex to become a Labour member of the Eu- nities who are still having new banners Falconer, even approached me about the ropean Parliament. “I’d been a student designed and made at considerable cost, possibility of making a campaign video in Edinburgh and met Gordon Brown so that they can be blessed in Durham for him, opposing the proposed chang- and Robin Cook and they seemed more Cathedral during the Gala. It is a sight es, although the idea came to nothing. the favourites for senior office. So I was to see, although as Prime Minister, Blair As another of his colleagues told me, he surprised when Gordon stood aside af- never did. expected Blair to amend the first lines of ter John Smith died, but as Tony grew the Red Flag, the left-wing anthem tra- into the job, happy that at last - after 18 ditionally sung at Labour Party confer- wasted years in opposition - Labour had A CHANGE OF KEY? ences, replacing the words a leader who was on track to win.” “The people’s flag is deepest red, It’s significant, perhaps, that the theme It’s shrouded oft our martyred dead.” MINING music of Labour’s landslide victory and with FOR POPULARITY early administration was “Things Can Only Get Better”, performed by the pop “The people’s flag is palest pink, group D:Ream, with particle physicist It’s not as red as you might think”. Blair was the MP for Sedgefield, a small former coal mining town in the Durham coalfield of North East England. In fact, the connection with Durham went back to when he was 5 years old; his father took a job as a lecturer at Durham Uni- versity after four years at the Universi- ty of Adelaide in Australia where the family had lived since Blair was just a year-and-a-half old. In Durham, Blair attended the city’s highly-regarded Cho- rister School but when he was 13 he was sent to Fettes College in Edinburgh, sometimes described as the “Scottish Eton”. He did not enjoy the experience. It would be nice to imagine that Sedge- field would have felt like coming home for a lad partly educated in Durham, © EDM

11 EUROPEDIPLOMATIC

That didn’t happen, of course, but the that the relationship was perhaps a little Blair has admitted to mistakes (not singing of the Red Flag was abandoned one-sided – Bush was overheard trying many), including the suggestion that the altogether at party conferences under to attract Blair’s attention with an impe- invasion helped to motivate the creation Blair. rious “Yo, Blair!” – and in any case, even of Daesh or Islamic State. But he has re- if the closeness was genuine and mutual, fused to apologise for involving the Unit- One of his friends, the former actor it was a closeness that didn’t please the ed Kingdom in the conflict, despite being Michael (now Lord) Cashman has no British people. severely criticised in the Chilcot Inquiry doubt about Blair’s legacy, saying his in 2016. In June, 2007, he officially hand- administration “on balance was highly But Blair’s time as Prime Minister is too ed over leadership of the Party – and thus positive. After 18 years of Tory rule the well documented to require recapping. the keys to Number 10, Downing Street country’s public services including edu- He had the public largely on his side – to his long-serving Chancellor of the cation and health in particular were at until his decision to join Bush in the in- Exchequer, Gordon Brown. He claimed rock bottom. Schools were overcrowd- vasion of Iraq, based on his claim that in his 2010 autobiography, “A Journey”, ed, hospital waiting lists for serious Saddam Hossein had “weapons of mass that the relationship between them had operations were as long as 18 months. destruction”, or WMD, that could be been difficult. It’s said that Brown agreed Morale in public services was low and launched against Britain in 45 minutes. not to oppose Blair for leader on condi- the economy was far from positive.” So Saddam was a brute, a tyrant and a vi- tion that Blair would subsequently stand D:Ream were right: things could only cious thug but he never had any WMD, down to let Brown take over. He did, of get better. the intelligence upon which the claim course, but much later than Brown felt had been based was at best doubtful and he’d been promised. During his time in Blair stood accused of exaggerating it office, however, Blair had a number of TOTALLING further to win over the House of Com- successes to chalk up: the creation of the THE POSITIVES mons to military intervention without Department for International Develop- a UN mandate. It compounded the an- ment and the progress towards spend- ger of the thousands who had marched ing 0.7 per cent of national income on The changes Blair’s administration put through London in protest at the in- overseas aid, establishing a national min- forward were opposed in Parliament but vasion and the 139 of his own back- imum wage, some social reforms and im- his massive majority saw them through. benchers who vociferously opposed it. proving the rights of gay people with the “One must remember the brilliant sure Civil Partnership Act of 2004. That was start scheme giving young children especially welcomed by Lord Cashman, a that early start in life, support so that STORM CLOUDS long-term campaigner for LGBTI rights. we could build 100 new hospitals, new BLOW IN “When it came to the LGBTI community, schools recruiting new teachers, police, Blair led the way,” he said, “his speech as additional nurses and doctors. Invest- shadow Home Secretary in an equal age ment in public services was at the top of Additionally, the Labour Party’s tradi- of consent debate in 1994 is a hint to his the agenda,” points out Lord Cashman, tional supporters felt they were being left commitment, but he was unflinching in “But equally a minimum wage was en- behind and ignored as Blair cosied up ensuring that LGBTI people were afford- shrined in law. Positive directives on not only to the Americans but perhaps ed equal rights, equal treatment, even workers’ rights and the environment more worryingly to wealthy business- when it meant facing down the House of were no longer resisted in the European men, getting them involved in funding Lords and having to use the Parliament Union, they were supported.” projects in a way that many economists Act in order to achieve an equal age of saw as detrimental to the interests of consent.” Blair never dismantled Marga- Blair did advocate peace, which makes tax-payers. The voters felt he was not so ret Thatcher’s restrictive laws on trades it ironic that he ordered British troops much “New Labour”, as he claimed, and unions, however. Faithful members of to war on five occasions during his first rather more “Not Labour”. But it was the Parliamentary Labour Party felt he six years in office, a record for any Prime Iraq that ended the dream. From then had lost his assured touch and was no Minister in British history. He was ac- on, to misquote D:Ream, things could longer in line with public opinion. “For cused by the media of trying to adopt a only get worse. someone who prided himself on being more “presidential” style of government than any former British Prime Minis- ter. Certainly, he seemed to admire the US President of the time, George W. Bush, apparently eager to support his “war on terror” in the aftermath of the 911 attack on the World Trade Centre in New York. Bush seemed to like Blair, too, greeting him before the assembled members of Congress and the Senate with the words “Welcome, friend,” when Blair attended a special sitting following the 911 terrorist attack, before going on to say that “America has no truer friend

than Great Britain.” But there were signs © EDM Tony Blair - Vladimir Putin

12 EUROPEDIPLOMATIC connected with the mood of the nation,” says Linda McAvan, “by the end of his term in office he seemed to have lost that feel for where the nation stood and seemed too close to the wealthy and the bankers whose careless management of the nation’s wealth would lead to the 2008 crash.” Time to go, in other words.

TRIUMPH AND DISASTER

© EDM Tony Blair - Volodymyr Groysman (former Ukrainian PM) Hero to zero? Not at all. Whatever Brit- ish voters thought, Blair was in great bombed five times. One Northern Irish AT THE HEART OF politician, the Official Ulster Unionists’ demand on the international speaking EUROPE? circuit, commanding extremely high Jim Nicholson, always said there were fees for offering his words of wisdom. really three armed groups operating there: the IRA (Irish Republican Army), When he came to speak to MEPs and If he never achieved anything else in the UDF (Ulster Defence Force) and the journalists at the European Parliament his life, that one great peace accord, the CBC: common bloody criminals. in Brussels about progress in the Middle Good Friday Agreement, would have East peace process, one fellow journal- earned Blair his place in history. So, put- Bringing about an end to the killing must ist commented, tongue-in-cheek, that ting him in charge of bringing peace to never be under-estimated; it was a stun- at least we hadn’t had to buy expensive the Middle East – another tangled web ning achievement, and the peace Blair tickets just to hear him. An attempt by of religious and political hatreds – seems won goes on, despite squabbles between human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell logical with hindsight, despite voices the Democratic Ulster Unionists (DUP) to perform a “citizen’s arrest” of Blair for raised in opposition because of Afghan- and Sinn Fein (Irish for “ourselves alone”) alleged war crimes during his visit was istan and Iraq, which smacked to many and the random acts of sectarian violence thwarted by security staff and Tatchell of an attempt to win favour in the Unit- between Catholics and Protestants. Reli- was ejected from the building. Many felt ed States. The problem for Blair was that gion never really mattered here as much that with Blair’s record in Afghanistan his stock had fallen; the Iraq adventure and Iraq he was the wrong choice to be as was reported in the mainland British seemed to have been designed more to Middle East Peace Envoy on behalf of the media except as a fig leaf to hide murder- boost corporate America than to bring United Nations, the European Union, ous activities, extortion and criminality. democracy to the country. Indeed, what the United States and Russia – the so- Many of the killings carried out by the it brought was a vicious radicalisation called “Quartet” – but his achievements paramilitaries were done because the of Al Qaeda sympathisers that then in Northern Ireland suggested other- volunteers on both sides received a cash spawned other extremist groups. wise. His negotiating skills, backed up bonus for what they did and came to rely with EU funding and supported by the on it. It’s why, when peace was achieved, On the eve of Britain taking over the ro- Irish Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Bertie there was a brief upsurge in so-called tating Presidency of the European Coun- Ahern and the then Commission Pres- “punishment beatings”; the fighters, de- cil in the second half of 2005, Blair ad- ident, Jacques Delors, had put an end nied the chance to commit murders for dressed the European Parliament. “The to thirty years of what are called “the money, sought to augment their incomes media predicted a very uncomfortable Troubles”, which began in 1968: a bit- with less deadly but extremely unpleas- ride for the British PM, who by backing ter, bloodthirsty war between the IRA, ant activities, often involving baseball George W Bush, had alienated many EU who wanted a united Ireland, and the bats. It didn’t end the hatred that began partners,” Linda McAvan recalls. “My Loyalist paramilitaries, who didn’t. The with the Troubles. Before that there was recollection is that Tony made a very locals, more or less regardless of their general co-existence, inter-faith friend- powerful speech, using that self-depre- affiliation, were tired of the sound of ships and only what one Sinn Fein coun- cating style he often employed – ‘I know bombs and gunfire, the death and de- cillor, Connor Maskey, described to me guys you’re not very happy with what I’ve struction. Meanwhile, the leaders of the as “recreational violence” in Alexandra been up to’ – style and by the end of the two main terrorist groups were happily Park, where a wall now divides Republi- session, he had many MEPs eating out of carving up the spoils of their respective can and Loyalist communities. The park his hand. I remember leaving the Parlia- extortion rackets, meeting clandestinely, is in a fairly wealthy area of Belfast, where ment Chamber and one of the Tory right sometimes in the Crown Liquor Saloon, Israel’s first president, Chaim Herzog wingers said to me “boy, I wish we had a beautiful and historic Victorian Bel- once lived. Now that uneasy state of af- someone like that”. They still don’t. fast pub that has changed little in more fairs has been returning, although an un- than a hundred years. Their criminal and tidy “no-deal” Brexit leading to a closed In the speech, Blair told MEPs that it secret use of the place was why it never border between the Republic of Ireland was his aim to “put Britain at the heart suffered a bombing campaign while the and Northern Ireland, complete with of Europe”. Unfortunately, with all the International Hotel, just across the road customs posts, could well bring about a anti-EU stories circulating in a hostile and popular with visiting journalists, was return to the bad old days. British media, that proved an unreach-

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able goal. As a Brussels correspondent, Since stepping down as Prime Minister ET TU, BRUTÉ? working for a TV agency at the time, he has set up the Tony Blair Faith Foun- it’s easy to see why. If I telephoned a re- dation, which aims “to promote respect gional newsroom with a positive story, and understanding about the world’s He has become in the public mind what however well it reflected on a local MEP major religions”, and also a sports foun- Julius Caesar had seemed to the Roman or a group of visitors from the region, it dation, also in his own name, which is mob after hearing Brutus speak about was almost always turned down. News supposed to encourage participation in his assassination in Shakespeare’s play. editors would actually ask for Euroscep- sport among disadvantaged children Having achieved so much, according to tic stories, claiming they were what peo- around the world. In 2016, Blair set Plutarch, Caesar ‘s “past successes in- ple wanted, on what evidence I have no up the Tony Blair Institute for Global duced and encouraged him to hope for idea. The picture back in the UK was a Change, with a stated aim of making glo- more in the future and engendered in very distorted one. There were plenty of balisation work for everyone, rather than him plans for more grandiose projects politicians back in Britain who wanted just the industrialists and super-rich who and a lust for fresh glory”. Familiar, isn’t to leave the EU and turn the UK into mainly benefit from it, at least directly. In it? Were Blair’s ten years as Prime Min- a kind of “Singapore in the North Sea”. fact, the rush towards globalisation has ister and his three electoral victories to Oddly enough, in his autobiography, “A slowed considerably since 2010 as the Britain’s advantage or not? Lord Cash- Journey”, Tony Blair quotes Lee Kuan cost of transporting goods stops falling man has no doubt: “He changed the po- Yew, Singapore’s leader in 1995, who and multinational companies find them- litical landscape so that the Tories had to told Blair “Britain can’t afford to be out selves losing out to local producers. Ac- modernise and change their approach to of Europe in a world as it is today. It’s cording to the Institute’s website, the idea human rights, including LGBTI rights, just not realistic.” While wishing to em- is “to work on some of the most difficult in order to prove that they were a mod- ulate Singapore, Britain’s Eurosceptics challenges in the world today, including ern and relevant political force.” Howev- were never in a mood to heed the advice how the centre ground of politics renews er, deciding the balance between good of its leader; advice, Blair wrote, that was itself with practical policy solutions”. and bad in his case will be the job of fu- echoed by the then Indian Prime Minis- Laudable if somewhat vague and even ture historians; my instinct suggests that ter, Manmohan Singh and others. esoteric, perhaps, but won’t his tarnished they will plump for “mainly good” with reputation prove a barrier to progress? some awful lapses of judgement along Blair took up the post of peace envoy Certainly, on the political left where the the way, further shadowed by his pursuit immediately upon his resignation from Iraq war has led to him being considered of personal wealth. For now, though, in government and the House of Com- a pariah and even a class traitor. Given Britain at least, causes he openly sup- his background that’s a difficult charge mons in 2007. He resigned the job eight ports seem to benefit more from his ab- to prove. After all, his father was a Con- years later but not before drawing crit- sence than from his participation. It is a servative. icism for allegedly profiting from his sad waste of an enormous talent. “Some- role. He has been accused of earning times I think the hardest thing is getting Most controversial was his creation of millions from giving advice to some the right answer,” Blair wrote in the in- Tony Blair Associates (TBA), which fairly shady companies and less-than- troduction to the paperback edition of served in an advisory role for various wholesome governments, which rather his autobiography, “This is harder still governments. TBA’s first contract, with undermines his record as a peace-mak- in an era of uniquely low predictability.” Kuwait, was reported to have earned er. There is no doubt that Blair has enor- He also passes this comment on his time the company £27-million (€30-mil- mous talent and remarkable negotiating since leaving office: “The oddest yet most lion). While he was serving as Middle skills that could still be put to use for the interesting thing about being an ex-lead- East Peace Envoy, TBA also worked for benefit of the world. Sadly, his brand is er is how much I did not know when I Nursultan Nazarbayev’s regime in Ka- now seen as “too toxic” for him to have was leader, how much there is to learn zakhstan, reputedly earning another about the world and how endlessly fasci- anything other than a negative effect on £16-million (€18-million) in the pro- any campaign in which he gets involved. nating are the processes of change going cess. That drew a lot of criticism, given on within it.” Nazarbayev’s reputation as a cruel and ruthless dictator. Blair said his task was The question is: will Blair be remem- FROM WHITE KNIGHT merely to “nudge controversial figures on TO DEMON KING bered with kindness or contempt? Re- the progressive path of reform”. He also turning to the Julius Caesar comparison, denied receiving any personal gain from despite his ambitious overreaching and the work, although opposition activists the belief in his own superiority that led In their book Heroes or Villains?, John in Kazakhstan said he would have “blood to his assassination, it’s worth noting that Rentoul and the academic Jon Davis, on his hands”. Truth, as ever, is an elusive even today people place flowers on the wrote that Blair’s administration was property, but there is no doubt that Blair spot where Caesar’s body was cremated more successful than those of other re- earned a lot from TBA, whether it was, by the Roman mob. Still being remem- cent leaders and was, on balance, posi- as his critics put it, “whitewashing” the bered with gratitude and fondness after tive (many might say considerably more blood-spattered public image of despotic more than two millennia has to be some so than David Cameron’s or Theresa regimes or merely helping them in terms kind of recognition. Perhaps Blair won’t May’s, for example). “Historic victories of international negotiations and difficult have to wait quite so long. were achieved,” they wrote, “mistakes public relations. Becoming rich in such a were made, but overall we believe that way has not endeared Blair to the politi- the condition of the country improved.” cal left, nor, indeed, to the public at large. Robin Crow

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A NATURAL PROGRESSION Monaco is a principality in constant transition, no project currently more attention-grabbing as the six-hectare land reclamation development underway off the coast at Larvotto. Europe Diplomatic Magazine sits down with Bouygues Travaux Publics to learn more about the maritime infrastructure for L’Anse du Portier that the company is on track to deliver.

t seems only fitting that the Monaco terfront apartments and handful of indi- morning. The atmosphere is ordered office of Bouygues Travaux Publics vidual villas of Monaco’s newest district: and serious as I wait to meet Caroline (Bouygues) is located in the Fontvie- L’Anse du Portier (or, as it is often re- Valentin-Bruneval, although I wouldn’t Iille business district, deep in the heart of ferred to in English, Portier Cove), just expect anything less from the team that what today remains the leading example off the coast of Larvotto and in front of is responsible for laying the foundations of the Mediterranean principality’s abili- the Grimaldi Forum and Japanese Gar- for such an ambitious and innovative ty to conjure up habitable territory from dens. If reports are true, the price per development. the sea that borders it. In a state where square metre on this new six-hectare space has always caused planning head- slice of territory is set to reach €100,000, “At the height of the project, including aches, reclaiming land from the ocean making it perhaps the most expensive the team in Marseille making the cais- offers a viable solution and currently ac- residential district in the world. sons, we employed 700 people,” Valen- counts for 40 hectares, or 20 per cent, of tin-Bruneval tells me. “Today, now that Monaco’s total territory. But before the first blocks in architect they are all completed, we’re probably Renzo Piano’s designs can be laid, the down to around 300 employees.” If you By 2025, however, that baton is set to be platform must be finished – and it’s live in France or Monaco, Bouygues passed across the principality, when the exactly this reason that brings me to is a name you’re undoubtedly familiar first residents move into the luxury wa- the Bouygues office this sunny spring with. With interests in communica-

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tions, construction and media (The Each caisson takes around a day to place would serve as an example of sustainable Bouygues Group has a 43 per cent stake on the bare bedrock and once every cais- living for the rest of the world to emulate. in the TF1 Group), CEO and chairman son is in place “we will fill the interior Initially, Valentin-Bruneval tells me, the Martin Bouygues is one of France’s with ballasted sea water and weigh them idea was to build a floating island con- richest men. down with quarry materials, which will nected to the mainland by a bridge, in the close the band,” she explains. After this, style of developments in Dubai or Hong Bouygues Travaux Publics, its con- the final stage of the maritime infra- Kong. “After expert studies, however, we struction arm, was awarded the con- structure can begin, which will involve were advised that we are in a very seismic tract for the design and construction a dredger delivering 60,000 cubic m2 of zone with very deep seabeds,” she says. of the maritime infrastructure in July sand extracted from northern Sicily ev- The only location along the whole of Mo- 2015, and after more than two years of ery 80 hours. At the end of the ten-week- naco’s coastline with a depth less than 50 studies and preparation, the first cais- end program, Monaco’s newest district metres was identified just off the coast son arrived from Marseille on July 22nd, will start to rise from the ocean. of the Hôtel Fairmont Monte-Carlo and 2018. In total, 18 of these watertight the Grimaldi Forum. “So the form of this chambers have been fabricated out of Bouygues anticipated four and a half new district has been dictated by the sea,” reinforced concrete to create a protec- years to complete the maritime infra- she continues. tive band around the reclaimed land. structure and looks set to meet the de- Each measures 26 metres in height and livery timeline. “The only obstacle we’ve Once completed, L’Anse du Portier will weighs 10,000 tonnes. really met is the weather,” she says. “Of house 60,000m2 of residential proper- course, when you’ve got bad sea or lots ties, 3,000m2 of commercial space, a “Tomorrow, we’re all set to lay caisson of wind, it’s impossible to work when ev- marina with approximately 30 berths, a number 11,” Valentin-Bruneval re- erything is based on water.” As early as waterfront boulevard, parking, as well as veals enthusiastically. “So we’re more next year, construction of the superstruc- gardens and other public areas - all built than halfway through.” This part of the ture will begin, but that doesn’t mean on the maritime foundations construct- works is set to be completed by the end that Bouygues’ work is finished. “We will ed by Bouygues. Monaco’s first eco-dis- of July and, as she happily explains, continue to be here for some civil engi- trict, “it will be exclusively pedestrian, they are right on time. “Since the be- neering work, as well as environmental there will be solar panels, an extension ginning of the project we’ve given our- monitoring,” she explains. of the Japanese Garden, and an artificial selves a little bit of leeway because the hill,” she explains. caissons are coming from Marseille by The project is the brainchild of H.S.H water and the weather has to be favour- Albert II, Sovereign Prince of Monaco, But these environmentally-friendly mea- able or else we cannot get underway.” who wanted to create an eco-quarter that sures have also been incorporated below

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eye level. “The concrete used to make novation as well. Over 500m2 of Posido- the caissons has been specially created nia Oceanica has had to be re-housed BOUYGUES to allow flora and fauna to rehabilitate in and, working with partners Andromède EXPORTING FRENCH it,” she says. “We undertook many stud- Océanologie, a new instrument has ies, tested a variety of different concretes been developed which delicately ex- EXPERTISE AROUND and, in the end, we chose that which cavates the mound of Posidonia into a THE GLOBE would be perfect for the new underwa- protective basket. “We created this de- ter residents.” vice because there was nothing like it in existence,” she says. Underwater turbidi- Monaco’s L’Anse du Portier is far from The new district borders the Larvotto ty screens have also been erected to limit the only landmark development for Marine Reserve to the north-east and the dissipation of fine particles. Bouygues Travaux Publics. Some of the the Spélugues coral reef to the south- French construction company flagship west and, from the very start of this A specialist in communication, Val- projects include La Nouvelle Route du project, ensuring the protection of the entin-Bruneval has been involved in Littoral in La Réunion, at 5.4km long underwater life has been an absolute some of the region’s most exciting – and the longest Viaduct in France, Tanger priority. “We are the first construction iconic – developments; from the Allianz Med I and Med II Ports in Morocco, company in the world to have moved Riviera stadium in Nice to Monaco’s species before starting work, something and the 55km Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Ma- soaring Tour Odéon and Lord Norman we are very proud of,” she says. Each cao bridge, the longest ocean crossing species found inside the perimeter – Foster’s distinctive Yacht Club de Mona- in the world. from Posidonia to Pinna Nobilis (a large co. But, as she lights up discussing the species of Mediterranean clam) and cor- sustainable practices being undertak- als - has been painstakingly transplant- en by Bouygues, I get a glimpse of just ed to artificial habitats created to the left how special this particular project is. “I and right of the platform. The company am always amazed by the magic of en- has made a commitment to monitor the gineering, what man can do between progress of each and every species for thought, drawing and after that, the ac- another ten years. tual construction,” she beams.

Which has necessitated not only the Especially in Monaco, where ingenuity employment of a team of expert marine is perpetually tested to the limits in the biologists but plenty of technological in- name of town planning. © HK Government Hong Kong Zhuhai Macao Bridge

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ECB LAUNCHES SCHOLARSHIP FOR WOMEN IN ECONOMICS

f all the race ECB offering eco- deliver the best possible outcome for The ECB aims to increase the share of nomics master’s degree scholar- our staff and for Europe,” said Mario women in management and senior ship to up to five female students Draghi, President of the ECB. management positions to 35% and O 28% respectively by the end of 2019. n Each scholarship student to receive The €10,000 per year scholarship for Currently, 29.7% of the overall managers €10,000 per year for tuition and other tuition and other related costs will be and 26.5% of the senior managers are related costs awarded to up to five female students female. from lower-income backgrounds. It n Scholarship one of ECB’s initiatives to also includes a study visit to the ECB Further details about the application promote diversity and gender balance and mentoring by an ECB economist. process and terms and conditions can be in central banking After completing their master’s degrees, found at www.ecb.europa.eu/wecs. The European Central Bank (ECB) has scholarship recipients will be encouraged launched a scholarship programme to to apply for an ECB traineeship and the support women pursuing a master’s ECB Graduate Programme. The award degree in economics in Europe. The is merit-based and requires a high grade NOTES: scholarship is part of the ECB’s initiatives average in prior studies. The deadline to promote diversity and gender balance for applications is 19 June 2019. The ECB was certified by Economic in central banking. Dividends for Gender Equality (EDGE) The ECB has launched a range of in 2019. EDGE recognised the ECB’s “We aspire to be an organisation in which measures to address the under- commitment to promote gender diversity is welcomed and appreciated representation of women in economics equality in the workplace. for the richness that it offers. Enabling and more specifically to support women diversity is vital to our institution to in their career development at the ECB. Source ECB

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t first began with the need to expand The 135,700 sqm complex, built on the capacity of Changi Airport’s Ter- the site of the former Terminal 1 open minal 1 as well as its open-air car- air carpark, is designed by world- re- Ipark. This led to a strategic vision with nowned architect Moshe Safdie and the conception of Jewel as a gem of a features a distinctive dome-shaped destination, to augment Changi Air- façade. It will offer both local residents port’s position as a leading air hub glob- and international visitors a multi-facet- ally and boost its appeal as a stopover ed experience that includes attractions, destination for travellers. unique shopping and dining concepts, as well as airport and accommodation The stunning result is a mixed-use de- facilities. velopment with gardens, attractions, retail, dining, a hotel and facilities to sup- During its inauguration Ms Hung Jean, port airport operations. This integration Chief Executive Officer, Jewel Changi of nature with engineering marvels Airport Devt, said, “The vision for Jew- housed under a striking glass and steel el Changi Airport is to be a destination

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View of the Shiseido Forest Valley and the HSBC Rain Vortex from Manulife Sky Nets at Canopy Park Changi Airport Terminal 1

Singapore meets the World’. The unique proposition of world- homegrown brands on Level 1 meant to be a one-stop shop for class shopping and dining, seamlessly integrated with lush travellers looking to bring home a piece of Singapore. greenery, fulfils the needs of increasingly discerning travellers Multiple retailing formats are present at Jewel, including du- for a meaningful and experiential journey, even for brief lay- plexes, outdoor terraces and spaces within the Canopy Park overs. on the topmost level. Several established brands such as Ben- “Moreover, by providing innovative and fresh experiences for gawan Solo, Nike and Tiger Street Lab will also offer new con- Singapore residents and working professionals in its vicinity, cepts and even exclusive- to-Jewel merchandise. Jewel will invigorate Singapore’s eastern precincts and provide The majestic 40-metre HSBC Rain Vortex, the world’s tallest more opportunities for the public to enjoy time with family indoor waterfall, will greet visitors upon entering Jewel. Sur- and friends.” rounding it are the manicured grounds of the Shiseido Forest Visitors to Jewel can look forward to a slew of long-awaited Valley. Play attractions such as the Manulife Sky Nets, Hedge new-to-Singapore brands including Emack & Bolio’s, JW360°, Maze, Mirror Maze and Discovery Slides were designed to Lavender, OYSHO and Pokémon Center Singapore that will blend into the unique indoor garden environment and will open their first stores alongside familiar homegrown favour- open on 10 June 2019. ites such as In Good Company, Supermama and Tiger Street Come May 2019, the Changi Experience Studio on Level 4 will Lab. These local retailers, designers and craftsmen are given bring visitors on a journey of fun and discovery through the the opportunity to craft a retail theatre to share the nation’s virtual world of Changi Airport with interactive games, pro- story with the world. Jewel also has a dedicated retail cluster of jection experiences, immersive shows and gallery exhibits.

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Night View of the Crystal Clouds art installation Discovery Slides at Canopy Park

Enhancement of capacity at Changi Airport In conjunction with the development of Jewel, Changi Airport’s Terminal 1 has also been expanded to increase capacity by another three million passenger movements per year. This brings the airport’s total capacity to 85 million, ensuring that it remains well placed to support the growth of air travel in the region. As part of Changi Airport’s continued focus on providing passenger convenience, airport facilities have also been added in Jewel. These include early check-in counters and kiosks, a baggage storage service and the Changi Lounge, a 150-seat lounge with shower facilities, offering seamless transfers for passengers connecting to and from cruise and ferry services. Jewel will also house the first YOTELAIR property in Asia. With 130 smartly-designed cabins that optimise space in its Premium, Accessible and Family cabins, these rooms can be booked for a minimum of four hours, ideal for short daytime layovers or overnight stays. YOTELAIR also features time-saving airline style self-check-in kiosks that will facilitate a hassle-free check-in process.

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hen he first started at the Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM) in 1976, Bernard d’Alessandri was one of four employees. More than four decades on, he is now leading a team of almost 200 at this famous Quai Louis II location. The first step in his journey to Secretary General was meeting Prince Rainier III - first as a sailing instructor, Wthen as skipper on the Biotonus-YCM for the inaugural Monaco-New York transatlantic in 1985, and finally at the helm of the Yacht Club’s flagship Tuiga, which celebrates her 110th anniversary this year. “I’ve been amazingly lucky,” admits d’Ales- sandri. “Throughout my working career, I have had the pleasure of being able to devote myself to my passion for sailing.” Europe Diplomatic Magazine sits down with Mr d’Alessandri to reflect on life as an insider at this famous Monaco address.

Europe Diplomatic Magazine: You've overseen some At the time the new building was being delivered in 2014, we big transformations during your career, none more also launched the Monaco Solar & Energy Boat Challenge. Or- visible than the move across Port Hercule to the ganised by the YCM in partnership with the International Pow- new address on Quai Louis II. What are some of the erboating Federation (UIM) and the Prince Albert II of Mona- initiatives you are proudest of? co Foundation, this annual international event is an invitation to see what the future may hold for motorboats and owners Bernard d'Alessandri: Thanks to the initiative of H.S.H looking to reduce their impact on the environment. Albert II, Sovereign Prince of Monaco, the YCM has a new building designed by the British architect, Lord Norman Foster, This year, the th6 Monaco Solar & Energy Boat Challenge (2-6 in 2014. This crucial new phase in the life of the Club means it July) will have 33 teams in three categories: Solar Class, Ener- now has world-class facilities and is today a wonderful showcase gy Class (any clean energy source) and Offshore Class, where of Monaco’s yachting sector, with the ultimate ambition being to the boat must be able to accommodate one driver and two position the principality as Capital of Yachting. passengers and complete a 67km round-trip (Monaco-Ven-

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achievement on a personal level, so they become well-rounded ambassadors for Monaco in the future, involved in innovative projects for the long-term.

Has the “Yacht Club de Monaco” become a brand in its own right? If so, how? The Yacht Club is not a company; it’s an association with a strong image. Rather than using the word brand, I would say it’s a spirit that we try to perpetuate in our day-to-day lives around a shared ‘Art de Vivre la Mer’ philosophy, with the sea at its centre. But it is definitely now one of the most prestigious yacht clubs and welcomes owners as members from 25 per cent of the world’s largest superyachts. This recognition is not only down to our iconic building, but also the involvement of our members and their presence as Club representatives abroad, as they are our best ambassadors. We also host major sporting events which brings together sail- ors from all over the world. For example, the Rolex Giraglia (7- 15 June), a great Mediterranean classic regatta which, this year, finishes in Monaco for the second time in its history; Monaco Classic Week (11-15 September), celebrating 25 years this year, and the exclusive concerts in the YCM Marina. After Sir Elton John, Duran Duran and Sting, this year we have Lionel Richie coming to perform his greatest hits on a stage built on the water with the YCM’s decks as the seat terraces.

How have you exported the values and vision of the

© YCM Bernard d’Alessandri YCM around the world? In 2011 we launched our ‘La Belle Classe Destinations’ label and now the Yacht Club de Monaco unites the most exclusive marinas around common standards and exports its expertise timiglia-Monaco) autonomously. Many teams are engineering in yacht club management, marina development, setting up students from universities in 14 countries, who are already sailing schools and establishing regattas. This came about as a working with the industry. response to requests from marina promoters and developers. We also showcase innovations ashore and bring the industry The aim is to encourage new ports of call to be developed for and young engineers together at conferences, tech talks and our members in countries that are opening up to yachting an exhibitor village in the boat paddock which is open to the while guaranteeing certain standards. The first signatory of this public. Two trade conferences (4-5 July) will see experts delve network was the Visun Royal Yacht Club in Sanya on Hainan deeper into alternative clean energy systems and new-build ef- Island in China. We are currently working on a new project in ficiency, and discuss the latest research findings. China, in collaboration with (French architect) Jean Nouvelle’s The ZERO Emission Challenge is another initiative during design teams. the event. We have thrown down the gauntlet to competitors and the Monegasque community to produce as near to zero What are some of your other areas of current focus? emissions as possible for the week, by banning fossil fuels. Ashore and at sea, initiatives to reduce the event’s impact We attach great importance to passing on knowledge, which include electric or hydrogen-powered bikes and cars (electric is why we opened our ‘La Belle Classe Academy’ in 2015. It's vehicles can be recharged courtesy of the Suncy vessel), eco- a training centre for yachting professionals offering indus- friendly gourdes and water fountains; solar ovens, etc. Any try-recognised courses in navigation and safety, and also cours- workable initiative will be encouraged and promoted! es linked to lifestyle at sea - our famous Art de Vivre La Mer! Another initiative close to my heart is the Monaco Sport Acad- Another subject dear to the Yacht Club’s heart and its President, emy (MSA), set up with support from our members. Its key HSH Prince Albert II, is protecting the marine environment. mission is to encourage the development of young Mone- That is why every year the YCM organises an Environmental gasque athletes and support them to the highest level in their Symposium in March as part of Monaco Ocean Week. For the sport. The goal here is to have the principality represented and first time, this year’s edition closed with a ‘La Belle Classe Su- performing at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo and real- peryachts Explorer Awards’ that recognise those expedition ising the dream of a multi-disciplinary team at the 2024 Sum- yachts which are cruising in some of the remotest and least ex- mer Olympics in Paris. To achieve this, the Academy promotes plored regions to collect scientific data and bear testimony to a balance between sporting and academic/career success and the fragility of our oceans.

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Of all the venues and experiences on offer in Monaco, Being located in the middle of the principality means the the Yacht Club de Monaco is the membership every- YCM also benefits from iconic events like the recent F1 Mo- one wants to have. What do you think has made the naco Grand Prix and Monaco Yacht Show. YCM such a beloved institution in the principality?

It’s not like any restaurant or luxury hotel, as the Club really How do you make sure the YCM evolves as the yacht- is a home-from-home for members with a range of activi- ing industry evolves? ties for them and regattas organised all year round (Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series, Primo Cup, Challenge Inter-ban- The Yacht Club de Monaco is at the centre of industry de- ques), as well as social events like our Oktoberfest and Rus- bates and every January organises a Business Symposium for sian New Year parties. all key players and owners to take stock and look ahead to what the future holds. We also run a Captains’ Club which has about 120 members now, all of whom must have the Captain 500 qualification as a minimum. It provides a meeting point and discussion platform for yacht captains and organises customised events, like the Captains Forum that will take place at this year’s Monaco Yacht Show (27 September).

Do you still get to pursue your passion for sailing? I have much less time to sail these days but always enjoy taking the helm of Tuiga when time allows. We plan to celebrate her 110th anniversary in style this year at Monaco Classic Week.

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itting on my desk on a small ma- away, although the 75-mm Krupp M03 targets. Very little, it seems, can bring hogany stand is an unexploded and L/30 Field Gun, from which my old shell it down, including Brexit. The concept disarmed 75-mm Turkish artillery was fired, had a range of just 6000 me- has been named Perseus, after the son Sshell, one of many used successfully tres. Small beer indeed, compared with of Jupiter, who was cast into the sea to- by Ottoman forces to rebuff the Allied today’s high-tech armaments. gether with his mother Danae and left naval attack on the Dardanelles during to perish. Washed up on one of the Cy- World War 1. Made of steel, brass and A supersonic, multi-role cruise missile clades islands, they were initially wel- just a little copper, with its settings in with stealth technology has an opera- comed but Perseus, unable to give the Arabic script to show its pre-Kemal tional range of around 300 kilometres local king a horse as a present offered Ataturk origins, it stands some 27 mm and is currently being developed for the him instead the head of Medusa, which high. It has a blunted nose from its British and French navies. It is likely he cut off with the help of the gods Plu- impact with the warship on which my to share several key features with the to, Minerva and Mercury, using it to grandfather was serving as an engineer- MBDA SVS401, jointly developed by defeat various enemies and turn them ing officer. It was, fortunately, a dud, European arms manufacturer MBDA to stone, incidentally rescuing An- although his ship was subsequently tor- with the French and British navies and dromeda on his way home. They led pedoed and sank. He survived; he was unveiled at the 2011 Paris Air Show, full and adventurous lives, these Greek lucky. Hundreds didn’t. Naval warfare which can, in theory, sink one large or gods and heroes. Still, Perseus seems was, as ever, a very bloody business and three medium-sized ships with its main an appropriate name: sent out to sea, the biggest naval guns of the time could and two smaller subsidiary warheads. deadly, and dare I say “petrifying”, to hit and sink ships up to 30 kilometres It can also be used against land-based any enemies.

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France and Britain also worked together to produce the SCALP/Storm Shadow air-launched cruise missile. It is a deadly weapon which, once launched, cannot be controlled or commanded to self-destroy, although if it fails to recognise the target on close approach, it is designed to fly off to a safe area and explode there. Storm Shadow entered service with the Roy- al Air Force in 2001 and was first used during the 2003 invasion of Iraq. First decided upon with the signing of the Lancaster House agreements in 2010, research work was undertaken by MBDA Missile Systems, makers of the SCALP/ Storm Shadow missile. Two years into the concept phase, MBDA announced the successful achievement of its “Key Review”, conducted jointly with the Brit- ish and French armament procurement

© MBDA agencies, Britain’s Defence, Equipment and Support (DE&S) and the Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA). The FC/ DIVORCE WITH EU partners. Paris also supports Chad’s ASW missile will replace SCALP/Storm less-than liberal leader, President Idriss BENEFITS? Shadow, on which development work Deby, who came to power after toppling began in 1994, the missile itself entering his predecessor, Hissene Habre, with into service in 2002. By the standards The British government may be semi-de- the help of the French secret service. of modern weaponry, it’s an old missile. termined to take the United Kingdom Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité? Certain- The FC/ASW will also replace France’s out of the European Union but it rely, but not beyond France’s border, and ageing Exocet and the Harpoon Block 1C mains theoretically committed to devel- especially where French oil interests are anti-ship missile used by UK forces. The oping with France what it calls “future concerned. Certainly, both France and €100-million three-year Concept Phase anti-ship missile systems”. The new Italy see Libya as being in their national was launched in 2017, the cost split even- weapon, being developed by the MBDA interests, although they bitterly disagree ly between Britain and France and aimed, company and equally funded by France on who should be running it and how. in MBDA’s words, at “mature systems and and Britain, will, to quote its manufac- technologies that will increase the sur- turers, “rationalise the development and vivability, range and lethality of anti-ship production of missiles through the “One RULING THE WAVES - and deep strike missiles launched both by MBDA” organisation and to harmonise TOGETHER air and naval combat platforms.” Both the research and technology efforts of governments seem keen. “The FC/ASW both nations across their entire mis- So why do Britain and France in a programme is an exciting opportunity sile industrial sector”. MBDA is itself post-Brexit world of dangers and poten- to deepen the UK’s and France’s defence a “fusion” between French Matra De- tial conflict need a new missile for use partnership,” said Julian Lewis, Chairman fense and British Bae Dynamics, later at sea? According to a joint Inquiry of Britain’s Defence Committee, “and joined by Marconi Electronic Systems by members of Britain’s Parliamentary the ‘One Complex Weapons Initiative’, and France’s Aérospatiale. It has a pres- Working Group and their French part- involving MBDA, that has helped to sus- ence in five EU countries – France, the ners, the plan is to provide, as the report tain key skills in both countries’ defence United Kingdom, Germany, Italy and puts it “a heavy anti-ship capability – to industrial bases,”. In fact, MBDA has not Spain – and accounts for around 70% of deal with the possibility of a confronta- been selected beyond all doubt to build all missile production in the Union. The tion on the high seas – and a deep strike the missile – Britain in particular likes to UK seems oblivious to other European ability that can penetrate and neutralise see competitive tendering – but it’s hard opinion in defence matters. But then air defences and hit long-distance tar- to see any other company that could de- so does France under President Macron: gets”. Both sides agree about the nature liver while meeting all the complex crite- back in February a small squadron of of future threats and how best to deal ria, technical, economic and political. Mirage fighter jets flew from the capital with them, and both sides have shown of Chad, N’Djamena, to bomb a convoy a willingness to diverge from the com- of lorries carrying rebel forces from Lib- monly held views of other EU members MIND THE GAP ya. The attack was in support of Khalifa where defence is concerned. Haftar, the Libyan warlord who regular- There are, however, problems, flagged ly shells Libya’s UN-backed Government The missile is currently referred to as up last December by British and French of National Accord. An attempt by the the Future Cruise/Anti-Ship Missile, legislators. According to Nicolas Jouan, EU to call on Haftar to desist was vetoed normally (if somewhat dully) shortened Aerospace and Defence analyst at Global- by France, much to the annoyance of her to the FC/ASW. It’s not the first time: Data: “The FC/ASM will replace the

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British Harpoon and the French Exocet well as with Brigadier Gerald Strickland by 2030, but the former is set to retire as of the Royal Gurkha Rifles, on opera- soon as 2023, creating a 7-year capabili- tional aspects of Franco-British Defence ty gap that will require the acquisition of Co-operation. However, the probable an ‘interim’ anti-ship missile, likely to be gap in British capabilities from the re- American.” So far, so worrying for UK tirement of the Harpoon in 2023 to the defence chiefs. But there’s more. “The theoretical availability of the FC/ASW interoperability of the F-35 fighter, in use poses a major problem. According to in the Royal Navy, and the French Rafale the British Parliamentary committee: also add to the complexity of the project,” “When Harpoon exits service in 2023, Jouan pointed out. Both these issues are there will be a serious capability gap, un- under discussion by the Parliamentary til the potential entry into service of FC/ committees of the two countries, along ASW programme in 2030. This gap will with the divergence of views over wheth- not be adequately filled by the smaller er stealth capability (favoured by the UK) and more lightweight anti-ship missiles or outright velocity (France’s preferred that will be available from 2020 onwards option) should take precedence. The on the Navy’s Wildcat helicopters.” The missile cannot do both, which could put report goes on to suggest that there obstacles in the way of the two countries’ are several “bridging options available, declared ambition to have “the ability by varying in age, cost and capabilities”. the early 2020s to deploy a UK-French And what is more “it is clear from the © JG integrated carrier strike group incor- evidence gathered by our joint inquiry porating assets from both countries”. that any decision to procure a ‘bridging’ Philippe Duhamel, Deputy General system with long post-2030 life expec- Block IV. Paris, however, is wary: Joël Manager for Defence Mission Systems at tancy would not be viewed favourably in Barre, Chief Executive of DGA, warned Thalès, an aerospace company with wide Paris and could pose a serious threat to London that while he “fully understood industrial interests, told French parlia- the strong bilateral relationship that has that the capability gap must be closed…. mentarians that under the FC/ASW pro- developed since 2010.” Whoops. the decision you make in that regard gramme France and the United Kingdom should not jeopardise our co-opera- could agree to aim for a speed of Mach 7 tion on the FC/ASW”. He especially (8,640 kilometres per hour) for the new WEIGHING UP THE urged the Ministry of Defence to go for missile. One possible solution could be CHOICES a short-term solution, rather than to re- two versions of the same missile, one a place Harpoon with a missile that would supersonic anti-ship weapon for France, So, what are Britain’s options? The still be available by 2030. Barre said the the other stealthier deep-strike missile Ministry of Defence has hinted at the UK should not choose as a replacement for the United Kingdom, but sharing possibility of extending the operational for Harpoon a real alternative to the FC/ components. It sounds a little like trying life of the Harpoon. Appearing before ASW which, he said, “will postpone our to develop an all-round family car while the Joint Inquiry, however, the Minister objectives for the FC/ASW”. In other combining it with a Formula 1 racer, but for Defence Procurement, Guto Bebb, words, Britain must tread carefully be- MBDA think it can be done. and Sir Simon Bollom, a retired senior cause any decision could have implica- Royal Air Force officer and now the gov- tions for bilateral relationships that have At the Parliamentary Working Group’s ernment’s Chief Executive of Defence developed since 2010. meeting in Paris in February 2018, the Equipment and Support, admitted that Chairmen of the House of Commons option “looks very challenging”. Includ- And that is especially relevant in the Defence Committee, the Right Hon- ed among the alternatives are Lockheed light of Britain’s probable (but as yet ourable Dr Julian Lewis MP, and Jean- Martin’s Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile undated) departure from the European Jacques Bridey, President of the Assem- (LRASM), which enters into service Union. As the British House of Com- blée nationale’s Standing Committee with the US Air Force this year and the mons Defence Committee’s summary on National Defence and the Armed US Navy in 2020. Each unit would cost put it: “As the United Kingdom prepares Forces, agreed to deepen collaboration between $700,00 and $1,000,000. A to leave the European Union, the FC/ between their two committees. In re- cheaper option could be the Naval Strike ASW programme offers an opportuni- cent years, the working groups have met Missile, jointly produced by Kongsberg ty to demonstrate the growing strength in Paris to hear the views of General and Raytheon. It can destroy ships at of our bilateral defence co-operation”. Philippe Montocchio, General Officer in a range of 100 nautical miles and is ex- That sounds rather like an oxymoron, Charge of Military Relations at France’s pected to be a viable choice until 2040. albeit one with massive explosive pow- Military staff, and Vincent Thomassier, It is also available off the-shelf right now. er. And any decision has ramifications Deputy Director for Europe and North Then there is Saab’s RBS15 Mark 3, for jobs. MBDA boasts 10,500 employ- America, in charge of international de- which is said to be “packed with a range ees working in France, Germany, Italy, velopment at the Direction Général de of high-end features” and an effective Spain and the United Kingdom. Its l’armament, and shortly afterwards in killing range of 134 nautical miles at a shareholders are Airbus and BAE Sys- London for talks with Richard Berthon, speed of 0.9 Mach. There are updated tems, each owning 37.5%, with a fur- Director for Military Strategic Pro- versions of the Harpoon and the Exo- ther 25% owned by Italy’s Milan-based grammes at the Ministry of Defence, as cet, plus MBDA Italia’s Otomat Mark 2 Leonardo, (formerly Finmeccanica), the

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a French Super Etendard fighter of the Argentine navy that sank HMS Sheffield during the Falklands conflict in May, 1982. Two fighters fired their Exocets but only one struck the target; the other fell into the sea. Britain used its Fran- co-British SCALP/Storm Shadow cruise missiles in Iraq in 2003; France also fired several in Libya, Iraq and Syria. It is not, of course, without controversy. French-made Leclerc tanks, backed by artillery, are being used by Saudi Arabi- an forces fighting Houthi rebels in Ye- men while the UK has licensed the sale of £5-billion (almost €6-billion) worth of aircraft and bombs to Saudi Arabia since war in Yemen began in March 2015. Anger over British and French involvement in the war continues to inspire protests. A Saudi vessel, the

© MBDA Bahri-Yanbu, which was due to be load- ed with French arms at Le Havre, faced a court challenge by the campaign group world's ninth largest arms company. Its of Staff of the French Navy, who warned Action des chrétiens pour l'abolition de products include military helicopters, the Joint Inquiry about: “the emergence la torture (ACAT). The campaigners fighter aircraft, drones, missiles, naval of new powers, capable of building the lost their case in a French court but the guns, artillery and armoured combat ve- equivalent of the French Navy every ship sailed without its cargo anyway, lat- hicles. MBDA matters greatly to France four years, and with offensive capacities er docking in Spain. The arms sale issue and Britain. “Today, our missile indus- likely to call into question the sovereign- is unlikely to go away any time soon, de- try is Franco-British,” said Joël Barre, ty of certain maritime areas, or the secu- spite President Macron describing Saudi France’s Delegate General for Arma- rity of communications lines essential to Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as ment. “MBDA is a Franco-British com- ensuring supply to Europe”. The Joint “allies in the fight against terrorism”. pany with centres of excellence shared Inquiry concluded that “a new arms by the two nations and all the skills race” appears to be underway. needed to carry out the ambitious mis- WHO WILL BUY? sile programmes we are talking about.” A further concern is that these sorts of weapons, once the exclusive preserve In fact, France sells its arms to eighty- of major powers, are becoming much one countries, making it the world’s FIRST AMONG EQUALS? more widely disseminated. Examples third largest arms exporter after Ameri- include Russia’s S-300 and S-400 Triumf ca – by far the biggest with 34% of global The FC/ASW promises to be a formida- surface-to-air (SAM) missiles in Syria. sales – and Russia, whose 22% share of ble weapon but it won’t be unique. Indi- At around half the price of the United the market actually decreased by 7.1% an forces are already equipped with the States rival Patriot missile, S-400s have over the last four years. These figures Brahmos, jointly developed with Russia been exported to China and ordered by come from the latest report by SIPRI, and described as “the fastest low-altitude India and Turkey. Thirteen other coun- the Stockholm International Peace Re- missile in the world”. Flying at just 10 tries have expressed an interest. Houthi search Institute. A quarter of French metres above the surface of the sea and militias recently used anti-ship missiles arms exports go to Egypt, with a fur- with a range of 290 kilometres, it can in the Persian Gulf, especially targeting ther 8.6% to China and 8.5% to India. be carried by surface ships, fired from American vessels. As Admiral Prazuck France’s sales of arms went up by 27% land-based missile batteries, and from told the inquiry: “disruptive influenc- over the last four years. Surprisingly, aircraft such as the Indian Air Force’s es have invested hugely in long-range perhaps, Germany comes fourth with Russian-designed Sukhoi Su-30MK1 high-velocity missiles and highly effec- 5.8% of the market, selling mainly to multi-rôle all-weather fighter jets. It’s tive – and increasingly widespread – other European Union countries, but no surprise that planners and politicians surface-to-air missiles, which have com- also to South Korea and Israel, although see a potentially hostile world around pletely upset the strategic landscape.” its share fell by 14% in the same period. them. Russia, for example, invests 3 The use of anti-ship missiles became China comes fifth, selling to forty-eight to 4 per cent of its GDP in developing commonplace during the Six Day War countries, chief among them being Pa- and building weapons, while China’s in 1967, when the Israeli frigate INS Ei- kistan, Bangladesh and Algeria. Its military budget has quadrupled over the lat was destroyed by Egyptian missiles. arms sales rose by 38% in the last four last decade alone, resulting in significant France equipped her navy with Exocet years. France’s predominance has come arsenals. The danger of China’s growth missiles in the early 1970s but has never about through its aggressive sales policy in combat capability was underscored fired one in anger. It was a French air- of being willing to sell “off the peg” com- by Admiral Christophe Prazuck, Chief launched Exocet, however, fired from bat aircraft and warships being built for

28 EUROPEDIPLOMATIC its own armed forces. Its willingness to ing ITAR (International Traffic in Arms RUNNING AHEAD OR sell to Egypt has been criticised by Am- Regulations), designed to prevent US nesty International, which claims in a technology from falling into potentially CATCHING UP report that French weapons were used to hostile hands. French Defence Minister suppress internal dissent, in contraven- Florence Parly told the Assemblée natio- Some experts have raised doubts about the tion of a 2013 European Union directive nale that the only way to circumvent the relevance of ship-based long-range mis- instructing member states to “suspend United States’ use of the ITAR agreement siles such as the FC/ASW. The prospect export licenses towards Egypt of all to block the sale of Scalp missiles to Egypt of direct ship-on-ship conflict is unlikely, equipment that can be used for internal would be by using domestically-built especially as both Russia and China have repression”. France rejects the criticism, parts instead. “In this case, we will not more experience in the field. They both Defence Minister Florence Parly arguing be able to lift the US opposition to the continued to develop their armaments af- that it can’t be held responsible if arms sale of Scalp missiles,” she said. “The only ter the Cold War ended; the West, by and supplied before the directive are used thing we can do is for MBDA (the man- large, didn’t. These days, the warships of against civilians: “If Egypt uses hardware ufacturer) to make some investment in Western nations are more likely to engage that was exported long ago,” she told the research and development to be able to with pirate skiffs and rigid inflatables, Foreign Affairs and Defence Commit- manufacture similar components that are for which such a massive weapon would tee “against its own civilian population, not covered by ITAR.” represent a costly and wasteful example that was not our objective,” Even so, of overkill. Looking at the conflicts in Amnesty notes that Egyptian security This all may seem like a distraction but which Western forces have been commit- forces fired on protestors from the cov- it raises an interesting point. Delegate ted in recent years in Central Asia and the er of more recently-supplied French ar- General for Armament Joël Barre told Middle East, navies have been obliged to moured vehicles. parliamentarians from both countries: shift their priorities towards supporting “Apart from France and the United their land forces. However, a resurgent Kingdom, no country in Europe cur- and territorially ambitious Russia – still THE EXPLOSION SOUK rently has the capacity to carry out a supplying arms and almost certainly men deep strike.” In London, Lieutenant to the breakaway part of eastern Ukraine France has sold many weapons to Egypt, General Sir Mark Poffley told UK parlia- – and a China that has taken a more im- overtaking the United States to become mentarians that he wants the new missile perialist turn under President Xi Jinping, Egypt’s main arms supplier between to be capable of use in co-operation with mean that Western navies must be ready 2013 and 2017, supplying more than Britain’s allies. “We would want to be to match their potential opponents in €1.4-billion worth of military and securi- interoperable with many nations that are firepower terms. Furthermore, access to ty equipment in 2017 alone, according to close and dear to us”, he said. Joël Barre, strategic areas is being disputed through Human Rights Watch. The sales include Chief Executive of DGA, agreed, when the rise of increasingly deadly anti-ac- warships, fighter planes and armoured speaking in Paris. He wanted interoper- cess, area denial (or A2/AD) systems. A vehicles, while French companies, acting ability, especially with the United States, prime requirement in developing the FC/ with approval of the Elysée Palace, have but he also stressed that: “We must provided surveillance and crowd control none-the-less keep our sovereignty”. He ASW system has been its ability to locate equipment. French Defence Minister told legislators that the technologies in- and take out A2/AD ordinance, how- Florence Parly, standing alongside Egyp- volved must be under European control ever mobile and flexible it may be. Of tian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, even “so that we have no restrictions when it course, there’s a risk that by 2030 it will performed the opening ceremony for comes to using or exporting them”. This be a whole lot more mobile and flexible. Egypt’s first arms show. President Ma- point was picked up in the most recent And deadly. But the capability of FC/ cron argues that the equipment is sold for report by the Joint Committee. “An- ASW to suppress them was stressed to the Egypt’s military, not for its police and in- ticipating the effects of the ITAR regu- rapporteurs of the Assemblée nationale ternal security forces, but it has made no lations,” says Paragraph 16, “and more by French Air Division General Thierry public protest about its change of use. He broadly any potential hindrance to the Angel and Admiral Christophe Prazuck. is even on record as saying that “Egypt’s export of these materials will be essential security is France’s security.” Macron’s for the FC/ASW programme.” Viability It is to be hoped that neither the French only reference to Egypt’s human rights depends on finding a lucrative market nor British navy will be called upon to record came during a visit to Cairo in beyond French and British shores. The fire an FC/ASW in anger, although that 2017, during a joint press conference with report continues: “We recommend that, may be wishful thinking. In the mean- President el-Sisi: "Stability and durable as part of the concept phase, both coun- time, their ships will continue to focus peace go together with respect for indi- tries and MBDA explore the potential on shows of strength by sailing where vidual dignity and the rule of law, and the impact of the ITAR regulations on the they’re not very welcome and by sup- search for stability cannot be dissociated FC/ASW programme and in doing so porting forces on the ground in vari- from the question of human rights." But ensure that lessons are learned from past ous theatres of war. That, more or less, as he said when the two met in Paris that experience, such as the recent abort- was what French and British ships were he never criticised other countries’ style ed SCALP export to Egypt.” No more trying to do at the Dardanelles in 1915. of government because he didn’t want problems with Washington and ITAR, And as my old artillery shell shows, that his to be criticised in turn, el-Sisi could then, if France should decide to extend really didn’t go too well. comfortably ignore it. Even so, America its sales of the FC/ASW beyond its tradi- successfully vetoed the sale by France of tional allies, as past experience suggests SCALP missiles to Egypt in July, 2018, us- is likely. T. Kingsley Brookes

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WEAKNESS IN EU STEEL SAFEGUARD AND POOR MARKET CONDITIONS THREATEN SECTOR

Surging import volumes, stalling economic growth, high and volatile raw material costs and sharply growing carbon costs are coming together to form a perfect storm that could knock the European steel industry back into a period of severe crisis. The impact of this combination of factors has already begun to affect European steel producers, with facilities being idled and production being cut back significantly across Europe.

he European steel sector and July 2019, and again in July 2020 – “We have now had as little as 18 months has had less than two years even though demand is expected to be to rebuild – and have achieved just as the of stability, a period which flat. This is an overgenerous gift to steel economic cycle seems to have reached “Targuably ended in mid-2018 with the exporters to the EU”. the tail end”, said Mr Eggert. “For the imposition of the US’ Section 232 mea- European steel industry not to be swept Meanwhile, the carbon price has now sures”, said Axel Eggert, Director Gen- away we need policy makers to handle eral of the European Steel Association reached €25 per tonne of CO2, which the primary threat: the surge of imports (EUROFER). “2017 saw 8,000 jobs re- is considerable given the relative size that has consumed virtually the entirety turn to the sector, with another 2,000 of the steel sector’s tight margins. Pared of the growth in EU steel demand for following in 2018 – bringing total direct with supply volatility for iron ore in the the better part of a decade”. employment in the steel industry back wake of the Vale/Brumadinho dam di- EUROFER has written to EU policy up to 330,000. However, if this mix of saster in Brazil, alongside high and vol- makers making this point, in particular negative conditions persists, these gains atile scrap and coking coal prices, the relating to making the EU steel safe- could be reversed”. European steel industry is struggling on several fronts at once. guard more robust and effective, as well Steel markets have slowed abruptly, as continuing work on WTO reform both in the EU and worldwide. Growth “Any one of these factors would cause and on international cooperation to in steel demand was 3.3% in 2018. EU- difficulties for the sector. In combina- remove the causes of subsidised global ROFER forecasts suggest there will be a tion they are a perfect storm of negative overcapacity. decline of 0.4% in 2019. dynamics entirely beyond the control of the steel industry itself”, emphasised Mr “Despite being well-intentioned, the “This stalling demand coincides with Eggert. current steel safeguard framework has import volumes rising at an ever faster not prevented surging imports. EU pro- rate. These grew by 12% year-on-year in Following the financial and economic ducer margins are on the floor, which 2018 – 2017 was already a record – and crisis European steel struggled to swing undermines their ability to invest in 2019 might see volumes increase even back onto an even keel, with depressed skills, technology and low-carbon de- further”, added Mr Eggert. “This import demand growth and aggressive target- velopment. The alarm bells are already growth underlines the absurdity of a ing by exporters to the EU in a global ringing and action is required today to safeguard which includes programmed market awash with excess production prevent this flood washing the sector periodic ‘relaxations’ of 5%: in February capacity. away”, concluded Mr Eggert.

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MOSCOW ‘MOST TRAFFIC CONGESTED CITY’ IN EUROPE

omTom (TOM2) released the or stable congestion levels between 2017 results of the TomTom Traffic and 2018, with only 90 cities showing Index, a report detailing the traf- measurable decreases. Tfic situation in 403 cities in 56 countries There are significant differences be- around the world. Mumbai takes the top tween continents: for example, decreas- spot this year with drivers in the Indian es were measured in Asia, with a large city expecting to spend an average of 65% decrease in congestion (-8%) in Jakarta, extra travel time stuck in traffic. Next in while nearly every city in South Ameri- the global rankings are Colombian cap- ca posted increases, the largest (8%) tak- ital, Bogota (63%), Lima in Peru (58%), ing place in Lima, Peru. New Delhi in India (58%) and Russian Capital, Moscow (56%), making up the top five most congested cities in the world. © motorblog.com HOPE ON THE HORIZON Ralf-Peter Schäfer With Moscow taking the lead in Europe, Istanbul (53%) came a close second with Ralf-Peter Schäfer, TomTom’s VP of governments already have the tools to Bucharest (48%) Saint Petersburg (47%) Traffic information, said: “Globally, traf- make the roads less congested. and Kiev (46%) making up the top five. fic congestion is rising. And that’s both Brussels (37%), London (37%) and Paris good, and bad, news. It’s good because Schäfer continues: “At TomTom, we’re (36%) ranked in at 11th, 12th and 13th it indicates a strong global economy, but working towards a future where vehicles respectively. the flip side is drivers wasting time sit- are electric, shared and autonomous so that our future really is free of conges- North America’s top five most congested ting in traffic, not to mention the huge tion and emissions. We have the tech- cities are Mexico City (52%), Los Ange- environmental impact.” nology to make this future happen – but les (41%), Vancouver (38%), New York TomTom has been collecting traffic in- it takes a collaborative effort. From road (36%) and San Francisco (34%). formation and providing traffic services authorities, to governments; car makers for nearly a decade, allowing drivers to to car drivers, we all have a part to play.” make smarter choices in route planning CONGESTION UP, and avoiding congestion. And the lo- People can find out more about the TomTom GLOBALLY cation technology specialist’s work on Traffic Index, and discover where their home the future of driving – from high defi- city ranks at http://www.tomtom.com/traf- Traffic congestion has increased globally nition maps for autonomous vehicles, fic-index. There’s also helpful advice on beating traffic congestion. The Traffic Index website during the last decade, and nearly 75% to efficient electric vehicle routing and has been revamped so it is easier than ever to of the cities TomTom includes in the charging – means that car makers, tech- explore city statistics and insights – as well as new Traffic Index report had increased nology companies, road authorities and real-time, live traffic information.

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YOUNG PEOPLE ARE KEY TO PREVENTING VIOLENT EXTREMISM, SAYS NEW UNDP REPORT A New report supported by the Government of Norway underscores the need for systematic participation of young people in decision-making and governance to prevent and respond to violent extremism.

oung people are key to the prevention of violent ex- The global survey indicated an increased and substantive tremism and must be involved as partners in develop- youth participation in initiatives contributing to the preven- ing and implementing policies which effectively count- tion of violent extremism. While encouraging, this momen- Yer the growth of extremism, according to a new report by the tum has yet to be translated into significant policy influence United Nations Development Programme. » and systematic support for youth participation on the ground, the report found. The report, « Frontlines: Young people at the forefront of preventing and responding to violent extremism », calls for more The report identifies the lack of meaningful consultation with investment in ensuring systematic participation of young peo- youth in PVE initiatives and the lack of funding for youth initiatives as the top challenges for young people. Also, the ple in decision-making and governance, and for them to play potential sensitivities and risks both in the context of violent proactive roles in communities and society at large. extremism and in the response, and the need for better coor- The report was based on a global survey of youth, focus group dination with youth organisations, movements and networks discussions with young people on their aspirations and per- were commonly cited challenges, by both youth and non- ceptions, a series of in-depth interviews with practitioners, youth actors in the report. and case studies from the field. The report was supported by “If the object of policy and programming is ultimately to de- the Government of Norway. sign and support effective approaches to prevent violent ex-

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Jayathma Wickramanayake

tremism while upholding human rights standards, then it is young people are our biggest hope and, rather than down- vital that we better understand and nurture youth-led action playing their overwhelmingly positive role, we should build on the ground,” said UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner. on their aspirations and prodigious efforts to build resilience “The report aims to support a paradigm shift in thinking about and social cohesion,” states Jayathma Wickramanayake, Unit- youth’s role in PVE in order to find more effective approaches. ed Nations Secretary General’s Envoy on Youth. The standout message from Frontlines is that youth must take UNDP calls for a stronger partnership and a more coherent a front and centre role to prevent and respond to violent ex- approach, through this comprehensive and global research, to tremism.” pursue a powerful youth-inclusive approach to prevent and The key findings also reflect that initiatives focusing on young respond to violent extremism, including through enhanced women have been less common, and there are significant gaps inter-agency collaboration and youth organizations. between groups who are engaged and those who respondents The report also makes an important contribution to the im- believed should be engaged. plementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolu- “Even though young people are joining violent extremist tions 2250 and 2419 on Youth, Peace and Security, the Unit- groups more than any other age demographic, evidence shows ed Nations Secretary-General’s Plan of Action to Prevent that the vast majority of youth neither fall prey to the tactics of Violent Extremism and the United Nations Youth Strategy terrorists, nor are participating in violence. On the contrary, (“Youth 2030”).

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OVER 1.8 MILLION PEOPLE UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF PROBATION AGENCIES IN EUROPE, ACCORDING TO COUNCIL OF EUROPE SURVEY

he number of persons in Europe Statistics for 2018 (SPACE I) recently and prison rates, whereas Norway, Swit- subject to community sanctions published. zerland, Finland, Iceland and Monaco and measures (CSM) — usually have both low probation and prison The probation agencies with the highest Tknown as alternatives to imprisonment population rates. number of persons under supervision - under the supervision of probation were those of Turkey (471 persons per Over the years, the Council of Europe agencies is increasing, according to the 100,000 inhabitants), Belgium (426), has consistently called on its member Council of Europe annual SPACE II sur- states to use alternative sanctions and vey, published today, whilst at the same United Kingdom (Scotland) (411), time the prison population is falling. Lithuania (392), Russia (350), Romania measures to imprisonment as often as (343), Latvia (333), Estonia (331), Re- possible because they can effectively The survey, which contains data on public of Moldova (321) and UK (En- contribute to the integration of offend- probationers serving different kinds gland and Wales) (317). Other admin- ers to society, improve the operation of of CSM such as electronic monitoring, istrations with probation rates higher prisons and prevent overcrowding. community service, home arrest, treat- than the European average were Por- In 2017, the Committee of Ministers of ments, as well as persons in semi-liberty tugal (300), France (262), Netherlands the Council of Europe updated its 1992 or conditional release, were presented (251), Czech Republic (248), the Slovak recommendation containing the Eu- at the Council of Europe Conference of Republic (223) and Malta (217). Directors of Prison and Probation Ser- ropean rules on community sanctions vices, which is being held on 21 and 22 The high rates of probationers observed and measures, which advise states to May in Ayia Napa (Cyprus). in several countries show the rapid ex- ensure their use in a proportionate and pansion of community sanctions and just way, taking into account the offenc- On 31 January 2018 there were 1,810,357 measures throughout the continent, es and the profile of the suspect or the people in Europe under the supervision although with great differences across offender. The aim is to encourage states of the 41 probation agencies participat- jurisdictions. In most countries, the to use CSM as alternatives to imprison- ing in the survey, which represents an probation population rate has become ment and not as supplementary sanc- overall probation population rate of 169 higher than the prison population rate tions, something that could happen if probationers per 100,000 inhabitants. (number of inmates per 100,000 inhab- states start using them for persons who Comparing the 34 probation agencies itants), with exceptions such as Serbia, would not normally be placed in deten- that provided this data both for 2016 Norway, Switzerland, Bulgaria, Spain tion. The high number of probationers and 2018, the probation population in- (State Administration), Azerbaijan and observed suggests that this ‘netwid- creased from 1,540,578 to 1,723,652. At Russia. ening’ of the criminal justice system is the same time, the overall imprisonment already taking place in some countries. rate in Europe fell to 102.5 inmates per The Czech Republic, Republic of Mol- 100,000 inhabitants in 2018, according dova, Russia and Lithuania are coun- Adding the total number of proba- to the Council of Europe Annual Penal tries with particularly high probation tioners and the total number of inmates

34 EUROPEDIPLOMATIC

inhabitants - were Russia (769 inmates and probationers per 100,000 inhabi- The SPACE II annual report is part of tants), Lithuania (627), UK (Scotland) the SPACE survey conducted every (548), Republic of Moldova (536), Lat- year for the Council of Europe by via (528), Estonia (522), Romania (461), the University of Lausanne, under UK (England and Wales) (459), Czech the direction of Professor Marcelo Republic (456), Portugal (430), Slova- Aebi. The SPACE survey provides kia (407), France (365) and Azerbaijan an overview of the use of custodial (342). (SPACE I) and community (SPACE The survey shows that non-custodi- II) sanctions and measures in the al measures continued to be seldomly Council of Europe member states. used as an alternative to pre-trial deten- tion: the median proportion of persons placed under supervision of a probation agency before trial was 3.3%. Notes: Foreigners accounted for 7.1% of the • The data are expressed in median val- total number of probationers among the ues, which are more reliable than aver- 22 probation agencies that provided this age figures as they are less sensitive to type of information, whilst they repre- extreme figures. in Europe on 31 January 2018, more sented as much as 24.7% of inmates in • The 2018 SPACE II survey contains than three million people were under the corresponding prison administra- data from the probation agencies of the supervision of European probation tions. This difference could be due to 47 Council of Europe member states and prison administrations. This can be several reasons, including the fact that except for Albania, Georgia, Hungary, considered a low estimate of the total it is usually more difficult for a foreign Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, Po- correctional population, because it is citizen than for a national to meet the land, San Marino and United Kingdom based on the 37 probation agencies and conditions required to be placed on pro- (Northern Ireland). Bosnia and Herze- the 44 prison administrations that probation. govina do not have probation agencies vided this information. On average, roughly 11% of proba- yet. • The 2018 SPACE survey contains Countries with particularly high correc- tioners were female in contrast with data on persons under probation super- tional population rates - above the me- only 6% in the prison population, as revision as of 31 January 2018, while the dian European correctional rate of 318 flected in the SPACE I report on prison 2017 survey contained data as of 31 De- inmates and probationers per 100,000 populations. cember 2016.

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A ground-breaking European operation led by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) and Belgian Customs busted online criminals trafficking drugs, counterfeit goods – including medicine – and endangered animal and plant species (CITES). The international operation, code-named Postbox II, took place in March 2019 and involved customs experts from 22 Member States and Europol. Focusing on criminals working on both the open and the Dark Web, Postbox II led to 2320 seizures, the opening of 50 case files and identification of 30 suspects in Member States.

pearheaded by OLAF and Bel- BACKGROUND gian Customs, operation Postbox II was carried out in cooperation The illegal trade in endangered animal Swith customs services from 22 Member and plant species (CITES) damages the States and Europol. The set-up and use environment and threatens the biodiver- of an international cyber patrol with sity of our planet. CITES is a priority area customs services as the main actors for European customs authorities. Invest- makes the operation a first for Europe. ments made in new technology to identify online platforms used for this type of traf- In the initial phase of the operation, fic are vital to facilitating legal and sustain- customs authorities checked mail and able trade, whilst ensuring that illicit trade courier service packages for prohib- can be identified and intercepted. ited items. More than 500 packages were seized in Belgium only, followed © OLAF The trade of counterfeit products results by Italy with 460 and Ireland with 304 in vast illicit profits and significant losses The main findings reveal that Asian seizures. OLAF provided participants of tax revenues. The smuggling of coun- e-commerce platforms are still responsi- with access to its Virtual Operation terfeit products harms the European ble for the majority of counterfeit sales. economy, damages legitimate business Coordination Unit, a secure commu- Drug trafficking takes place mainly and stifles innovation, putting many jobs nication system facilitating intelligence through the Dark Web, where technol- at risk. Counterfeiting also poses serious exchange in real time. ogy is used to keep buyers and sellers risks to health and safety, as well as the What followed was the assembly of an anonymous. environment. expert cyber patrol which raided both The success of operation Postbox II OLAF is competent to conduct investiga- the open web and the dark net, as well is built on the shared expertise of all tions related to the smuggling of counter- as social media sites, in search of the participating parties. Law enforcement feit goods, thereby protecting the EU and perpetrators of the crimes. Investiga- bodies, working together at a pan-Euro- its Member States from customs and tax tors used special software and tech- pean level, make it increasingly difficult revenue losses. OLAF particularly focuses niques to pierce the sellers' online veil for fraudsters and traffickers to break on the smuggling of potentially dangerous of anonymity. the law and evade justice. products.

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MARC ZENATI A driving force

arc Zenati is the first to ad- els and “a few collectable cars as well, but ing, they also deliver the most satisfac- mit that he’s not your typical the market is very small,” he continues. tion. “Once I had a client call to ask me car nut. “I don’t really like to to find a Ferrari Spider for his wife,” he Yet, while his postcode may be Mdrive super fast,” he explains. “I have a says. It was two weeks before Christ- MC98000, most of his business comes family, so I like to drive safely and have mas. “He asked for a special white – the from outside the principality. “You may a comfortable car. I do enjoy driving a find this a little funny, but we don’t have pearl white – which is quite impossible Maserati or a Porsche, of course, but so many clients from Monaco,” he re- to find, and he wanted the car in one if you gave me a small Volkswagen or veals. “Here, people have the money to week.” In the festive rush, Zenati sent something like that, I’d be just as happy. buy cars new, so I buy their used vehi- an SOS across his extensive European It’s really all the same for me.” cles instead.” Cars in excellent condi- dealership network and tracked down Yet the owner of Monaco luxury car tion, with low mileage and good history, the exact model in Italy. “He absolutely dealership MZ Motors would be the Zenati understands these very factors wanted this car in this colour,” he says. envy of many car enthusiasts when he not only uphold the price of a vehicle “It was very complicated but at least reveals that when he does get behind but also makes it a very attractive option his wife had her Christmas present! In the wheel, it’s usually one of the cars he for buyers in France and countries such the right paint! He was happy, she was has in stock. “Sometimes it’s a Porsche, as Germany. “More than 90 per cent of happy, everyone was happy,” he recalls, sometimes it’s an Audi, I’m not really at- our clients come to Monaco in search of laughing. tached to one car,” he explains, adding a car because they know that the market This client satisfaction is what drives that he would much prefer to be navi- here is good value,” he says. Zenati in his business. “It’s all about the gating the scenic bends of La Turbie, Along with a collection of up to 20 cars long-term,” he explains. “That’s what is up behind Monaco, then at full speed for sale at any one time, much of his important. When my customers decide in the fast lane on the highway. “I pre- business comes from buying to special to change cars, they give me a call, and fer to drive something that is responsive order for clients after particular models, that’s exactly how it should be. I take the around curves,” he says. options and colours. And while these car back and sell them something else, or But, growing up in Paris with a father requests are often the most challeng- I sell the car before they decide on a new and grandfather who were passionate about cars, there was never any doubt that this was the industry for him. “I grew up seeing my family changing cars all the time, so it’s what I do and what I like to do. I know I’m good at it and I love my job and I get to drive nice cars. It’s a mix of everything that’s good for me,” he says. Zenati opened his boulevard Rainier III dealership two and a half years ago, after previously owning and operating a car dealership just across the border in Beausoleil called Monaco Auto. “My business is buying and selling cars, mostly luxury cars above 40 or 50,000 Euros,” he explains. Along with a show- room, he also buys to special order, and deals in supercars, limited edition mod-

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vehicle.” As with all business, it’s these rently facing one very challenging bu- to see why he chose Monaco to set up relationships that have laid the founda- reaucratic obstacle. “France has recent- his business. “There are a few reasons tions for the growth of the company – as ly introduced from very high taxes on besides the obvious tax system,” he ad- have the partnerships he has cultivated registration, and it’s quite complicated mits. with luxury car dealers the continent for cars that have not been registered in I also can’t help but get the feeling that (“I work a lot with Nordic and Eastern France before,” he says, explaining that, Zenati’s life would be much easier if European countries” he explains), and for certain models from Mercedes or an more of Monaco’s population were in with official dealerships such as Ferrari, SUV Bentley Bentayga for example, car the market for second-hand cars as well. Maserati and Porsche. No matter where owners are now are facing registration “No matter the car, registration is fixed he sources his stock from, however, fees of between 15 and 20,000 Euros. at one hundred Euros in the princi- there are certain criteria that must be “The government is definitely making pality,” he explains. “So when you take met before Zenati brings a car into his things a bit harder for us,” he admits. delivery of a Bugatti Chiron worth 2.5 dealership. “For me, what’s important In response, Zenati says that he has start- million Euros, you pay less to register it is having a full history from the official ed to adapt the type of cars he is selling. in Monaco than you would pay to reg- dealer, to have a very big options list, to “If you have a car with an administrative ister a Renault Twingo in France!” It’s have the car in excellent condition and fiscal horsepower greater than 35, well an incredible situation, but then again, accident-free, and the original certified it’s going to cost you much more money as he says, “Everything is just easier and kilometres,” he explains. to register. So I’m trying to work more better in Monaco.” The first to acknowledge that there will with a brand like Porsche because it always be ups and downs in this line of stays below this mark,” he explains. As work, Zenati does reveal that he is cur- he discusses these frustrations, it’s easy

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PROTECTING THE EUROPEAN BORDERS

ALBANIA AND FRONTEX LAUNCH THE FIRST EVER JOINT OPERATION OUTSIDE EU

he European Border and Coast to develop regional border control capac- the agreement with our European Board- Guard Agency, Frontex in co- ities and by the exchange of operational er and Coast Guard Agency has become operation with the Albanian au- information, professional experiences operational, the first such agreement with Tthorities, launched the first ever joint and best practices. a non-European Union country”, she operation outside the European Union. said. “Albania has also been a frontrunner "With the first ever deployment of Eu- This marks a new phase for border co- in defining priorities for a bilateral action ropean Border and Coast Guard teams operation between the EU and Western plan to strengthen the fight that we share outside of the EU, we are opening an en- Balkan partners. The event took place against terrorism and violent extremism.” tirely new chapter in our cooperation on in Tirana, Albania, in the presence of migration and border management with The joint operation with Albania marks Prime Minister of Albania Edi Rama, Albania and with the whole Western Bal- a new phase for border cooperation be- Albanian Minister of Interior Sandër kan region. This is a real game changer tween the EU and Western Balkan part- Lleshaj, EU Commissioner Dimitris and a truly historical step, bringing this ners. Similar agreements were initialled Avramopoulos and Frontex Executive region closer to the EU by working to- with North Macedonia (July 2018), Ser- Director Fabrice Leggeri. gether in a coordinated and mutually bia (September 2018), Bosnia and Her- The joint operation aims at controlling supportive way on shared challenges zegovina (January 2019) and Montene- migratory flows, tackling cross-border such as better managing migration and gro (February 2019) and are pending crime, including migrant smuggling, protecting our common borders,” Dim- finalisation. trafficking in human beings and terror- itris Avramopoulos, EU Commissioner Albania is an EU candidate country since ism, and enhancing European coopera- for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizen- June 2014. The country has made prog- tion at the land border between Albania ship highlighted. ress towards meeting the political crite- and Greece. The EU High Representative/Vice-Pres- ria for membership and, overall, steady Teams of border guards from Austria, ident Federica Mogherini had also re- progress continued in the five key priori- Croatia, Czechia, Estonia, Finland, cently acknowledged Albania's role in ties (reforming the judiciary and the pub- France, Germany, Latvia, the Nether- the region as a constructive partner and lic administration, fighting corruption lands, Romania, Poland and Slovenia Albania's continuous, 100% alignment to and organised crime, and protecting hu- will work together with their Albanian the EU's Common Foreign and Security man rights). The European Commission colleagues at the Greek-Albanian bor- Policy. "We also share the goal of fur- on 17 April 2018 recommended opening der to strengthen border management ther consolidating the security coopera- EU accession negotiations with Albania, and enhance security at the EU's external tion between Albania and the European while the Council in June 2018 agreed to borders, in full agreement with all con- Union. Over the past months Albania has respond positively to the progress made cerned countries. They will support local demonstrated that it remains a credible by Albania and set out the path towards authorities in border surveillance and partner in this field also. A Cooperation opening the accession negotiations in border checks as well as training activities Agreement was signed with Eurojust and June 2019.

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RPAS MARITIME SURVEILLANCE SERVICES NOW UNDERWAY IN ICELAND

A medium altitude long endurance RPAS drone is being used by the Icelandic maritime authorities to enhance the maritime picture over its Exclusive Economic Zone, the service follows a request made by the Icelandic coast guard to EMSA and is expected to run until mid-July. The RPAS chosen will be integrated into the existing surveillance mechanisms and procedures covering coast guard functions in the areas of maritime safety and security, search and rescue, environmental protection, law enforcement and fisheries control.

he particular RPAS in use is adapted to withstand the strong winds and icy conditions common to the North Atlantic Ocean. It has an endurance of over 12 hours Tand may perform maritime surveillance tasks in areas extending as far as 200nm from the shoreline. The operations are based at the Egilsstaðir airport in the east of the island. From there, they have the capability to cover more than half of the Icelandic Exclusive Economic Zone. EMSA’s RPAS (Remotely Piloted Air System) services for Iceland involve the cooperation of several Icelandic authorities, who will be able to follow the missions remotely thanks to EMSA’s RPAS data centre. Users will include the Icelandic

© Elbit Systems coast guard, the fisheries directorate, the environment agency, the customs directorate, the police force, and the search and different member states since the beginning of the year and rescue association. more are in the pipeline for the upcoming months,” explained The Hermes 900 RPAS is under contract by EMSA from CEiiA Executive Director, Maja Markovčić Kostelac. – the Centre of Engineering and Innovation. It is a MALE-class EMSA’s RPAS services were set up in 2017 for maritime sur- fixed wing, single engine RPAS and is capable of night and day veillance and monitoring operations to support national au- operations. Using SATCOM technology, it can operate beyond thorities involved in coast guard functions. This includes: radio line of sight. The payload consists of electro-optical and maritime pollution and emissions monitoring; detection of infra-red video cameras, maritime radar, AIS receiver, and an illegal fishing, anti-drug trafficking, and illegal immigration; EPIRB receiver. border surveillance; and, search and rescue operations. “EMSA’s RPAS services give us and our users, in this case Ice- land, another lens through which we can gain even greater situational awareness. Our services have been used by three Source : Frontex, EMSA and EFCA

41 EUROPEDIPLOMATIC

PROTECTING THE EUROPEAN BORDERS

UPGRADING BELGIAN & DUTCH NAVIES

The Belgium Naval & Robotics consortium, composed of Naval Group and ECA Group, were awarded the contract to supply twelve mine-hunting vessels to the Belgian and Dutch navies. Equipped with a total of approximately 100 drones, constituting approximately ten drone (toolbox) systems, six ships are destined for the Belgian Navy, while the other six will be delivered to the Dutch Navy. The Belgium Naval & Robotics consortium as well as the Naval Group and ECA Group teams are honored by the confidence of the Belgian and Dutch navies and look forward to this upcoming partnership.

AN INNOVATIVE SOLUTION FOR ROBOTIC MINE WARFARE

elgium Naval & Robotics, with Naval Group's recog- system to form the mine-warfare mission system integrated nized expertise, offers a 2800-ton militarized ship spe- into the ship's combat system. cialized in mine warfare with military characteristics The solution includes among others A18-M autonomous B(acoustic and electromagnetic discretion, shock resistance) perfectly adapted to the operational use targeted by the Bel- underwater vehicles (AUV), T18-M towed sonars and gian and Dutch navies. In particular, this vessel incorporates Mine Identification & Destruction Systems (MIDS) com- a launch and recovery system for ECA Group's INSPECTOR posed of SEASCAN and K-STER C remotely operated vehi- 125 unmanned surface vehicles (USV). This innovative, ro- cles (ROV). All these drones can be operated autonomously bust and reliable system ensures the safety of operators and from the USV Inspector 125. The drone system also includes maneuvers to protect the ship, the USV and its payloads, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and influence sweeps. while offering a high level of mission availability. The program provides for the supply of drone systems that The drone systems on board these innovative vessels are the can also be projected. Containerized and equipped with latest generation of drones developed by ECA Group over the handling and communication systems, mine-hunting drone past four years. They are integrated into the C2 MCM UMI- systems can be airlifted and deployed directly from the coast SOFTTM system connected to the Naval Group's I4drones® without a ship.

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A TRANSFORMING CONTRACT FOR THE GROUP

CA Group's share of this program represents approximately 450 million euros. The 10-year program will start with a design phase that will last approximately 3 Eyears before the production and delivery phases of the drone systems. The turnover recorded by ECA Group should be above 5 million euros by 2019, reach between 15 and 20 million euros in 2020, be around 40 million euros in 2021 and eventually reach between 50 and 100 million euros per year over the following 5 years. This contract is the largest ever won by ECA Group. However, it does not include any maintenance services that the customer may subsequently entrust to ECA Robotics Belgium, nor any sales of consumables. ECA Group's order book is currently at a historic level of well over half a billion euros. ECA Group has sufficient equity and financial resources to deliver it. The objective of a turnover growth of Group © ECA 5% in 2019 should thus be significantly exceeded. As the Belgian Navy is a reference in underwater mine clear- en navies in 20 years, this success in Belgium should generate ance within NATO, this contract is a major asset for export. As many commercial export benefits in the coming years. ECA with the tripartite mine-hunter program 40 years ago which Group is already in discussions with several navies for the sup- generated sales of self-propelled PAP robots in several doz- ply of robotic mine-hunting systems.

43 EUROPEDIPLOMATIC THE VALUE OF THE EUROPEAN COURT OF HUMAN RIGHTS

he European Court of Human Generally, nation states have been the fi- prison term for his participation in a Rights (ECtHR) is a suprana- nal arbiters of most issues affecting their criminal conspiracy to commit an act tional or international court es- citizenry within their borders. of terrorism, together with an order of Ttablished by the European Convention permanent exclusion from France. By treaty, the signatory nations of Eu- on Human Rights (EHCR). The Court is rope have granted the ECtHR binding The judgment indicated that the appli- based in Strasbourg, France. authority to decide cases affecting their cant had been, at least in 2012, wanted The ECHR provides European nation- citizenry and other persons subject to by the Algerian authorities. als, and others, a forum that transcends their authority. Accordingly, he was notified in Febru- national court authority for adjudica- In instances where state law is found ary 2018 of an order issued by the Pre- tion of issues in instances where they inconsistent with an ECHR judgment, fect of the Loire district, indicating that believe their human rights, as guaran- the nation at issue is obliged to amend he was to be deported to Algeria. teed by the European Convention on its national law to comport with the Human Rights have been violated. But on 5 March 2018, A.M. lodged an ECtHR decision. application for urgent proceedings with An application can be lodged by an in- The following case illustrates the con- the Lyons Administrative Court to ob- dividual, a group of individuals, or one cept of what is increasingly being re- tain the immediate suspension of his or more of the other contracting states. ferred to as an evolving European su- deportation to Algeria. The Convention was adopted within the pranational identity. context of the Council of Europe, and all However, the judge rejected his appli- of its 47 member states are contracting cation on the ground that he had not parties to the Convention. produced any specific, recent or detailed THE FACTS evidence to show clearly that he would be exposed, in Algeria, to treatment In February 2018, the Court ruled in a prohibited by Article 3 of the Conven- A VALUE AT THE case known as M.A. v. France (application which bans the use of torture and INDIVIDUAL LEVEL tion no. 12148/18) inhuman or degrading treatment. The case concerned an Algerian na- The individual justice model utilized by Under Articles 43 and 44 of the Con- tional, born in 1985 who had settled in the ECtHR enables victims, once do- vention, this Chamber judgment is not France in 2008 and obtained a 10-year mestic remedies have been exhausted, to final. During the three-month period residence permit. bring their application to the ECtHR to following its delivery, any party may argue that their state has breached their In September 2015 he was sentenced by request that the case be referred to the rights under the ECHR. the Paris Criminal Court to a six-year Grand Chamber of the Court. If such

44 EUROPEDIPLOMATIC

© ECHR a request is made, a panel of five judg- many cases of cruel, inhuman or de- Council of Europe member States, after es considers whether the case deserves grading treatment. an in-depth examination of the general further examination. In that event, the situation in Algeria and the individual The Court further observed that, since Grand Chamber will hear the case and 2016, the Directorate General of Na- situations of those concerned, had re- deliver a final judgment. If the referral tional Security (DGSN) had regularly cently concluded that there would be no request is refused, the Chamber judg- organized human rights training for po- violation of Article 3 of the Convention ment will become final on that day. lice officers. in the event of the return to that country Therefore on 12 March 2018, A.M of individuals linked to terrorism. The Court found that most of the re- sought the indication of an interim ports available on Algeria for 2017 and While certain features of Algerian crim- measure by the European Court of Hu- 2018 no longer mentioned any allega- inal procedure could possibly raise man Rights, under Rule 39, to have his tions that individuals linked to terror- doubts as to the guarantee in that coun- deportation to Algeria suspended. ism had been tortured. try of the right to a fair trial, they did not On 13 March 2018 the Court granted in themselves show that there was a gen- The Court emphasized, on this point, his request and instructed the Govern- eral risk of ill-treatment under Article 3 that A.M. did not seem to be able to ment not to enforce the measure until for any given category of individuals. establish that any third party in a situa- the end of the proceedings before it. tion comparable to his own had actually The Court concluded that the general Finally, Judgment was given by a Cham- been subjected to inhuman or degrad- situation as regards individuals linked ber of seven judges. ing treatment in 2017 or 2018. to terrorism in Algeria did not, in itself, The Court observed that since 2015 there The Court further observed that the preclude the applicant’s deportation. had been many institutional and legisla- French Government had provided it It took the view that there were no series tive developments in Algeria. It took note with a detailed list of deportations to or proven grounds to believe that if he in particular of the revision of the Alge- Algeria that had been ordered and im- were returned to Algeria the applicant rian Constitution in 2016 and the better plemented against Algerian nationals would run a real risk of being subjected safeguarding of a certain number of fun- on account of their links to terrorist or to treatment in breach of Article 3 of the damental rights and freedoms. radical Islamist factions. Convention. That same year the Intelligence and Secu- None of those deportees had reported In conclusion, the Court went on to rity Department (DRS) was disbanded. ill-treatment on the part of the Algerian find, unanimously, that there would be authorities. It had been designated in 2008 by the no violation of Article 3 if the decision United Nations Committee against Tor- The Court also found noteworthy the to deport the applicant to Algeria were ture as potentially being responsible for fact that a number of domestic courts of implemented.

45 EUROPEDIPLOMATIC

The Royal Chapel at Versailles has withstood the passage of time with just minor renovations, but it now requires a complete restoration to preserve the building. The roof, stone facing, statues, stained glass, and roof timbers all require comprehensive restoration work to preserve its unique harmony. In the autumn of 2017, Versailles began its greatest restoration project since the Hall of Mirrors.

he Royal Chapel has barely been Nevertheless, damage over time is modified since 1710, the date of unavoidable. Despite a drainage its completion, except for the system that was remarkable for its Tremoval of a roof lantern in 1765, whose discretion and effectiveness, leaks in weight was severely damaging the the roof, which is weighed down by timbers. This longevity is a testament lead decorations, are damaging the roof not only to the quality of its overall timber structure. On the facades that are architecture, but also to the choice of exposed to bad weather, the ornaments materials used in its construction. For and sculptures are gradually eroding. example, no fewer than 10 different Three centuries after the inauguration of kinds of stone were used to build the this jewel of sacred architecture, a large- Chapel, and its roof timbers, made scale restoration of the entire chapel entirely of oak, are among the finest in is required to preserve the building’s

46 EUROPEDIPLOMATIC

THE ROOF TIMBERS To restore and safeguard this masterpiece of heritage, initial weather- Though the Royal Chapel’s roof timbers are not visible, they are of major heritage proofing will begin, for a period of 36 interest. The complexity of the design and the assembly of solid components months, with urgent work to the roof hewn out of oak is exceptional. The structure is still in fairly good condition, but (timbers, slates, lead ornaments and leaks have recently caused damage which must be repaired as quickly as possible. gilding) as well as the stone facing, This renovation will respect the original materials, using identical replicas of the statues and windows. damaged oak pieces. PHASING THE WORK THE ROOFING AND DECORATIVE LEAD WORK The stages of the first phase: n The “great roof” is a significant component of the Royal Chapel’s exterior, Erection of scaffolding and tempo- remarkable for the large quantity of sculptures and lead ornaments that cover it. rary roof: August 2017 - January 2018 Two sets of sculptures define the extremities at the top of the building, with each n Removal of existing elements (roof, ridge bearing decorative friezes. The slate roof also features six dormer windows lead, groups of sculptures): March - also decorated with lead sculptures. In order to restore the roof timbers, the entire May 2018 roof must be dismantled. Its sculptures and decorations will be restored in the n workshop and regilded to return the building to its original state. Restoration and consolidation of the roof timbers: • preparatory work: November 2017 - THE WINDOW FRAMES AND STAINED GLASS June 2018 • restoration of roof timbers: June The windows are a unique feature of the building’s overall architecture, and much 2018 - June 2019 • installation of like the interior and exterior of the Royal Chapel itself, they are slender and new elements: June 2019 - late April luminous. This effect is only possible because of the size of the large windows made of clear glass, a true luxury at the time. The metal window frames that hold the 2020 clear glass and stained glass panes together have become damaged over time. They n Restoration of groups of sculpted will have to be dismantled so that the windows can be renovated and the clear and figures and lead roof ornamentation stained glass windows restored in the workshop. in the workshop: June 2018 - late May 2019 THE STATUES n Restoration of the upper parts of the facades in dressed stone: April 2018 The statues were produced by the most important artists of the time, and the - June 2019 allegories and iconography they display were chosen quite deliberately. However, n their expressiveness and technical virtuosity present a challenge to the restorers of Conservation work on the bas-relief these works. This restoration has become critical as a result of the erosion caused sculptures above the main windows: by their exposure to the elements. An adopt-a-statue campaign has been launched April 2018 - June 2019 to finance this key part of the restoration. n Gilding of the lead ornaments on the roof and windows: July 2018 - November 2019 THE SCULPTURES n Restoration of the attic windows: The quality of the Royal Chapel’s sculpted decorations is unquestionably part April 2018 - late November 2019 of what makes this exceptional building so outstanding artistically. With the n Gilding of the lead ornaments on gargoyles, torches, pilaster capitals (tops of the facade columns), cherub heads on the roof: July 2019 - December 2019. the windows and 46 bays framing these openings, no fewer than 140 components will have to be reworked in the workshop or on-site to restore the building to its Budget for the first phase: €11 million unique sculptural splendour. The second phase: This extensive project to fix all the damage from deterioration over time will require a multitude of skills and professions that are essential to the preservation of heritage This phase comprises further resto- and artisanal traditions. Master roofers, master carpenters, stonemasons, sculptors, ration work and is itself divided into master glassmakers, glaziers, gilders, locksmiths, and so on will all contribute to three conditional phases concern- the first large-scale renovation of this masterpiece of sacred architecture. ing the lower part of the Chapel, the sculpted decoration and the stained- According to Frédérique Didier, Head Architect for Historic Monuments for the glass windows. Palace of Versailles, it is hard to make occasional improvements to a building with such a unified style. “We have been debating whether to undertake this renovation Budget for the second phase: €5 million for more than 20 years. […] Making comprehensive improvements, starting This work will also restore coherence with the top of the monument, requires considerable means.” A project of such and harmony to the building and en- magnitude was only possible thanks to the support of Fondation Philanthropia sure its integration into the Palace as a and Saint-Gobain. whole, as Louis XIV wished.

47 EUROPEDIPLOMATIC TIMELESS CHIC Standout Fashion and Beauty trends By Clara Bauman

Anything nice in the sunglasses department ? To really show off on café terraces, it’s high time we picked up our favourite pair of sunglasses. And for the best shopping tips, you’re at the right place.

TRIANGULAR FACE SHAPES Liu Jo (liujo.com) The don’ts : Heavy frames in “Butterfly” or “Cat- eye” designs, as well as forms that are generally too glaring, such as square, rect- Longchamp angular, hexagonal and heart-shaped designs. (longchamp.com) The do’s : Forms that draw attention away from the top of the face and soften the angles...definitely favor round frames and/or those Salvatore Ferragamo that point towards the lower face. (ferragamo.com)

Longchamp ROUND FACES (longchamp.com)

The don’ts : Round glasses and all John Lennon type frames... Paul Smith it makes sense ! (paulsmith.com) The do’s : Frames with geometric or angular contours. Their size and thickness will also emphasize or refine the features, depend- Weekday ing on your mood. (weekday.com)

Salvatore Ferragamo SQUARE FACES (ferragamo.com)

The don’ts : Geometric and angular frames. Also, those that are Marni wider than the face. (marni.com) The do’s : Depending on the desired effect (imposing or soft), frames with affirmed styles (Cat- eye, Aviator) or round glasses. Chloé (chloe.com)

Michael Kors OVAL FACES (michaelkors.eu) The don’ts : Too chunky frames with a high nose bridge if the face is elongated (such as a long nose). Here, the Butterfly design is the Chloé best compromise. (chloe.com)

The do’s : If the oval shape is harmonious, anything goes ! Given that round frames tend to give a bohemian, youthful or intellec- BVLGARI tual look, whereas angular frames affirm the character (with the (bulgari.com) added risk of hardening the lines of the face).

48 EUROPEDIPLOMATIC TIMELESS CHIC Standout Fashion and Beauty trends By Clara Bauman Dress code: ‘nude’ Who said skin tones were drab ? It’s all a question of well- chosen accessories that bring contrast and add some spice to these natural tones. Sand, beige, cream, off-white... let’s go for the distinguished, tanned skin nude look ! Shopping (and user manual). Must haves

Goatskin leather © Karl Lagerfeld stud jacket IKKS (ikks.com) Karl turns on the neon lights He may have been a lifelong follower of the “less is more” philosophy, which was also dear to Gabrielle Chanel, but the ‘Kaiser’ of fashion has also left his distinctive mark on the latest collection of his own brand. The result is a clothing and accessories line sprinkled with fluorescence and pieces that match the “athleisure” trend : sweatshirts, caps and the must- have belt bag (karl.com).

Colours that match that “nude” look : Satin dress by American Vintage “Tasty” and intense browns : (americanvintage-store.com) chocolate, caramel, mocha... The raffia craze

“Prized” shades : Wedge sandals No, the wicker bag hasn’t written : “I’m going for a picnic yellow gold, pink gold, bronze... Steve Madden in the fields” all over it...not any longer. This summer, it is a (stevemadedden.eu) leading trendsetter in town as well as on the beach. In mini “Radiant” shades : or king size formats, it adds a touch of cool elegance. snow white, ivory... We have an absolute crush on models with sophisticated details (“arty” handles, leather shoulder straps, sophisticated braiding...), by far the most stylish for the summer.

Bag with round handles in tortoise shell style Lipstick Gold nail polish (stories.com) “Powder Kiss” M.A.C. & Other Stories Crossbody bag Michael Kors (maccosmetics.com) (stories.com) (michaelkors.eu)

49 EUROPEDIPLOMATIC BOOKS Circe The making of that legend is chronicled in this riveting and unforget- table novel, written as an oral history of one of the biggest bands of By Madeline Miller the seventies. Taylor Jenkins Reid is a talented writer who takes her work to a new level with Daisy Jones & The Six, brilliantly capturing a In the house of Helios, god of the place and time in an utterly distinctive voice. sun and mightiest of the Titans, About Taylor Jenkins Reid a daughter is born. But Circe is a strange child—not powerful, like Taylor Jenkins Reid is the author of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn her father, nor viciously alluring Hugo, One True Loves, Maybe in Another Life, After I Do, and For- like her mother. Turning to the ever, Interrupted. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, their world of mortals for companion- daughter, and their dog. ship, she discovers that she does possess power—the power of witchcraft, which can transform ri- vals into monsters and menace the gods themselves. One Road, Many Dreams

Threatened, Zeus banishes her to By: Daniel Drache, A. T. Kingsmith, Duan Qi a deserted island, where she hones her occult craft, tames wild beasts and crosses paths with many of One Belt, One Road is China's bold plan to remake the global economy. the most famous figures in all of mythology, including the Minotaur, It's an ambitious strategy with a $2 trillion – and rising – budget. The Daedalus and his doomed son Icarus, the murderous Medea, and, of objective? To challenge the existing economic and political world order. course, wily Odysseus. One Road, Many Dreams reveals But there is danger, too, for a woman who stands alone, and Circe un- the true extent of China's ambition, wittingly draws the wrath of both men and gods, ultimately finding analyses the impact of the One Belt, herself pitted against one of the most terrifying and vengeful of the One Road initiative and assesses its Olympians. To protect what she loves most, Circe must summon all chances of success and failure. her strength and choose, once and for all, whether she belongs with the gods she is born from, or the mortals she has come to love. This is the Asian century and China has a plan – to remake the world economy.

Under its audacious One Belt, One Daisy Jones & The Six Road strategy, China is investing trillions of dollars in hundreds of By Taylor Jenkins Reid projects all around the globe. It's buying up ports, building trans- Everyone knows DAISY JONES & THE SIX, but nobody knows the reason port networks and constructing major infrastructure. From hydro- behind their split at the absolute height of their popularity… until now. electric plants to oil pipelines, China supplies the labour if needed, the raw materials and the finance, creating customers and boosting Daisy is a girl coming of age in L.A. its own economy in the process. in the late sixties, sneaking into clubs on the Sunset Strip, sleep- More than 80 nations have already joined China's increasingly less ing with rock stars, and dreaming exclusive club and by 2049, when One Belt, One Road is set to end, its of singing at the Whisky a Go Go. number of members is likely to rival the UN. So far, China has exer- The sex and drugs are thrilling, but cised its soft power of debt diplomacy and financial might shrewdly, it’s the rock ’n’ roll she loves most. serving the planet's overlooked middle-income and poor countries. By the time she’s twenty, her voice The rest of the world needs to wake up because the scale of One Belt, is getting noticed, and she has the One Road is unprecedented. Its implications for the global structure kind of heedless beauty that makes of power are potentially seismic as the geopolitical ties between Eu- people do crazy things. rope and Asia deepen.

Also getting noticed is The Six, Written by three highly regarded political economists, One Road, a band led by the brooding Billy Many Dreams examines the One Belt, One Road initiative from all Dunne. On the eve of their first angles. It looks at the projects and the players, the alliances and the tour, his girlfriend Camila finds out she’s pregnant, and with the governance. It explores the opportunities for China and the threat pressure of impending fatherhood and fame, Billy goes a little wild to the West, particularly for Trump's isolationist US administration. on the road. At home and abroad, China is staking its credibility as a superpower on One Belt, One Road. Its resources appear limitless, but One Road, Daisy and Billy cross paths when a producer realizes that the key to Many Dreams asks a tough question: has China overreached? Or can supercharged success is to put the two together. What happens next it really pull this off and remake the world economy in its own in- will become the stuff of legend. terests?

50 EUROPEDIPLOMATIC

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