A free monthly review of French news & trends VOL. 08.05 JUNE 20, 2008

France Prepares to Assume the EU Presidency in July

This July, France will take the reins of the presidency of the Council of the European Union (E.U.), a six- month rotating position that allows member states to create an agenda for the E.U. France has outlined four main priorities for its term: sustainable development and energy poli- cy, immigration and asylum, security and defense, and agricultural policy.The French presidency has also set several other broad-reaching goals, including the ratification and implementation of the Treaty of Lisbon. In addition to establishing priorities, the duties of the presidency of the Council of the E.U. include chairing meetings, promoting legislative and political decisions, and brokering compromis- es between member states. For more information, please turn to the “In Depth” section on Page 4.

French Reinforcements Will Be Deployed to Afghanistan In response to renewed vio- will supplement the 1,800 lence over the past two years, French troops already INSIDE an additional French battalion serving with ISAF in of 700 men will be deployed Afghanistan. 2 Current Events in late July or early August to French troops will also Agence France the Kapisa province north- be deployed to the Regional Nucléaire International east of Kabul and will supple- Command Capital, in 3 France & America ment NATO efforts in Kabul, and to the 5th French Bicentennial of Afghanistan. Operational Mentoring Louisiana's Civil Code At the NATO summit in Liaison Team (OMLT) in 4 Profile Bucharest this past April, Uruzgan province. OMLTs European Presidency France announced its inten- train members of the tion to deploy an additional Afghan National Army by 5 Business & Tech battalion to aid the efforts of France will be deploying an additional batallion to aid embedding NATO mentors in NASA and CNES Team the NATO-led International operations throughout Afghanistan. Afghan units. Up on Oceanography Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. In addition, France will also take In addition, France hosted on June 12, 6 Society command, for the second time, of the capital region (the Kabul Sector) this summer. at the request of the Afghan government, Technology in French This additional battalion will be made up of elements of the 8th Paratroopers an International Conference in Support of Classrooms Marine Infantry Regiment from Castres, the First Foreign Legion Regiment of Afghanistan to reaffirm the international 7 Culture Cavalry from Orange, the 17th Paratroopers Regiment of Engineers from community's solidarity and long-term “The Grace Kelly Years” Montauban, and the 35th Paratroopers Artillery Regiment from Tarbes. These forces commitment. 8 France in America Fête de la musique Embassy Launches its New Web Site The Embassy of France recently launched a new and improved version of its Web site (www.ambafrance-us.org), AMBASSADE DE FRANCE designed to be more user-friendly and to take advantage of AUX ETATS-UNIS audiovisual multimedia. Its colorful homepage displays a host of accessible features, including an "Embassy TV" that offers insight into the Embassy and its events. Even if they were not able to attend themselves, visitors can catch up on all the action from the comfort of their home by choos- ing from different channels to watch clips ranging from French President Nicolas Sarkozy's speeches to cultural events organized by La Maison Française. Users can even take a virtu- al tour of the Embassy that navigates through the grounds and corridors of the building. The homepage also features a map of the United States that directs users to the nearest consulat in their region. In addition, the new site provides up-to-date information on upcoming Embassy events, as well as cutting-edge news and diplomatic updates. En bref [ Current Events ] FRENCH NAVY RAFALE TRAINS ON US CARRIER Last July, for France Creates New International Nuclear Agency the first time in naval aviation On May 7, Jean-Louis Borloo, Minister for Ecology, Energy, underscores France's commitment to international coopera- history, the Sustainable Development and Town and Country Planning tion in civilian nuclear industry. French Navy (Regional Development) announced the creation of the Today, France derives over 75 percent of its electricity from Rafale M12 and M13 landed on the deck Agence France Nucléaire International within the Atomic nuclear energy and ranks as the world's largest net exporter of of the US nuclear aircraft carrier USS Energy Commission (CEA). The CEA, a French govern- electricity due to its low cost of generation. Electricité de France Enterprise off the coast of the French port ment-funded technological research organization, will work (EDF), the country's main generation and distribution compa- of Toulon. These two aircraft were able to with the agency to provide intelligence in the arena of civil- ny,operates France's 59 nuclear power plants that have served to launch again from the US CVN (pictured ian nuclear industry. The Agence's expertise will serve to help support the country's longstanding policy on energy security. above), representing a close French- foreign states create a civilian nuclear industry that supports According to the World Nuclear Association, French energy pol- American cooperation in naval aviation high standards in safety, security, nonproliferation, and envi- icy emphasizes security of supply, respect for the environment, that allows French Navy pilots to train ronmental preservation. The creation of this agency further and proper attention to radioactive waste management. while CVN Charles de Gaulle is undergo- ing a major overhaul. On May 21, to fur- ther the French-American interoperability Spirit of Reform Relived in 40th Anniversary of Social Movement between the two navies, the US Navy re- invited two French Navy Rafale fighters France witnessed social reform in May 1968 that transformed the political and cul- and one 2E-C Hawkeye to conduct tural landscape as students and workers joined together in protest to advance the launch and recovery operations aboard educational and labor systems. the US Navy ship during the US aircraft This event took place on the margins of social reform movements worldwide, carrier Harry S. Truman's port visit to from the U.S. to Mexico,Brazil, and Germany. Marseille, France. This coming July, anoth- As 1968 marks a memorable year in contemporary history,numerous exposi- er six French Rafale and two Hawkeye are tions, film screenings, and cultural events throughout France will honor the 40th scheduled to fly to Norfolk to train aboard anniversary of this social solidarity. the US aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt. For instance, the Faidherbe Library in Paris hosted a photography exhi- bition titled "Oui, mai!" (the title translates into"Yes, May," which refers to the FRENCH SHIPS VISIT US WATERS Various exhibitions throughout France month, but, phonetically, sounds exactly like “oui, mais,”which means “yes, French Navy frigate Le Cassard moored explored the 40th anniversary of reform but”) by Gérald Bloncourt from April 1 - May 31. The exhibit closely exam- in Newport, Rhode Island, on May 17 movements that took place in May 1968. after taking part in interoperability oper- ines May 1968 from his personal perspective, as he, himself, witnessed ations with the American Navy in the demonstrations at Renault in Boulogne-Billancourt and other protests in the Latin Quarter. Atlantic. Le Cassard's arrival in the area Those looking to experience the atmosphere of social reform in the 1960s were also able to do so by tuning into a special program that was reminiscent of another French Navy aired from the end of April through mid-May,sponsored by radio station RTL. Special programs recreated the spirit that impacted an entire presence in the harbor 228 years ago. generation, featuring re-broadcasts of interviews with influential personalities of that era, as well as the airing of original footage of events that The fleet of Admiral Comte de Grasse took place 40 years ago. For more information, please visit: www.mai-68.fr. docked there while en route to the Chesapeake during the Revolutionary War to pass the winter in Rhode Island Wounded US Soldiers Celebrate Memorial Day at French Embassy and to unload supplies and munitions for the upcoming siege at Yorktown, Members of the US Armed Forces celebrat- ans as well as the "infallible brother- VA. Le Cassard is an anti-air warfare ed last Memorial Day with a French twist. hood-in-arms" between the U.S. and frigate that performed anti-terrorism On May 25, approximately 30 wounded France. The evening was also dedicat- and anti-piracy operations in the American veterans honored French- ed to those who sacrificed their lives Northwestern Indian Ocean last year. It American friendship at a ceremony hosted at for freedom. Dr.Casscells remarked also took part in the Afghanistan cam- the Embassy of France in Washington, D.C. that few understand the importance paign with coalition forces in 2002, The event underscored cross-cultural respect of Memorial Day, usually confusing it alongside the nuclear submarine Charles as well as the spirit of fraternity-in-arms with Veterans Day, which pays tribute de Gaulle. Its weeklong stay in Newport © Luke O’Donnell forged over two hundred years ago between to all soldiers. Memorial Day is dedicat- underscores France's historical naval ties Amb. Vimont (second from left) and George Washington and the Marquis de ed particularly to those who paid the to the area. "It shows the tradition of the Rep. Skelton (second from right) French Navy in Newport and the roots of LaFayette that continues to endure today, joined wounded veterans (such as ultimate price for their country. the alliance between France and most notably in operations in Afghanistan, those at their sides) for a Memorial Several of the Americans had America," stated Francois Gauthier, where France contributes approximately Day celebration at the Embassy. served alongside members of the French Consul general in Boston. Before 2,200 soldiers, airmen, and sailors (and has French military in Afghanistan and setting sail for Québec City to take part scheduled an additional battalion of 700 to be deployed—see p.1). were pleased to spend an evening tasting French cuisine, in the city's 400th anniversary celebra- Dining alongside their French counterparts, the American learning about French heritage, and, for some, practicing tion, the ship's crew challenged soldiers—many of whom were still receiving treatment for their language skills. "During operations in Afghanistan," American personnel stationed at the injuries they sustained in Afghanistan and Iraq—were joined by one American veteran remarked, "I served with some Naval War College to friendly matches distinguished guests, including Ambassador of France Pierre French during collaborative counter-terrorism efforts in the of both basketball and soccer. Le Cassard's arrival in New England was fol- Vimont; Senator John Warner (D-VA), Chairman of the House region. I appreciated French contributions to the interna- lowed by a visit to Boston from Le Armed Services Committee, Representative Ike Skelton; Assistant tional endeavor, and became interested in French culture." Belem, one of the oldest tall ships still in Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, Dr. S. Ward Casscells; Indeed, the camaraderie between France and the US during use, which also stopped by on her way Surgeon General of the US Army, Lieutenant General Eric B. the evening was palpable—or perhaps audible—as a U.S. to the 400th anniversary festivities to Schoomaker; and members of both the French and the US Sergeant Major played familiar French tunes and musette Québec City. Departments of Defense, to celebrate the bravery of these veter- on the accordion.

2 NEWS FROM FRANCE FILM FESTIVAL GRANTS [ France & America ] AVAILABLE FOR US UNIVERSITIES Though attendance to last month's 61st Cannes Film Festival may have been limited to the A-list, Le Festival des Louisiana Celebrates Bicentennial of Napoleonic Code in Civil Law tournées has created a grant program to help finance the creation of French Court continues to reference the French version, which film festivals at American universities. takes precedence over the English version. The program allocates between While there are discrepancies between Louisiana's law $1,800 and $2,300 to universities, books and the legal systems of the other 49 states, many of allowing them to screen around five them have been bridged. However, even after 200 years, dif- films. Grant amounts are dependent ferences continue to persist between Louisianan property, upon the institution's preferred method of screening the films, contractual, and family law and those of the other states. whether it is through a traditional 35 For example, redhibition, receiving a full refund or reduc- Courtesy of Louisiana Department of State mm projector, DVD or a mix of both. tion in the purchase price for a product's hidden defect Universities can either tailor their own "Signing of the Treaty of Cession" represents the sale of (similar to a "lemon law," but differs in that it applies to film festival agenda or choose from an Louisiana to the U.S. While Napoleon sold the territory any product sold, new or used, including real estate) is to America more than 200 years ago, France's influence itinerary of selected films. More than can still be traced to the state's civil code. legally upheld in Louisiana. In addition, "lesion beyond 100 college campuses currently partici- moiety," a practice that allows a seller to rescind the sale of pate in this endeavor to promote As a former territory of France, French patrimonial her- property if the price paid was below half the fair market French culture through the diffusion of itage in Louisiana pervades aspects of the region ranging value, is unique to the state. contemporary French cinema. Since from its architectural influences, unique Cajun dialect rem- Celebrating the state's legal system as an aspect of the the inception of this program, over 300,000 American students have dis- iniscent of antiquated French pronunciation and syntax, region's exceptional culture, Louisiana State University's covered French-language films, thanks spicy cuisine, acoustic music, and unbeknownst to many, (LSU) Center of Civil Law Studies undertook several initia- to the Le Festival des tournées, which even its legal system. 2008 marks the bicentennial of the tives to commemorate the influence and tradition of annually distributes approximately promulgation of le code civil louisianais,Louisiana's civil French law in the U.S. In collaboration with LSU's French $180,000 in grants. The application code. Department and Law Library, as well as the International deadline is June 30 for the upcoming fall Unlike the rest of the 49 States, whose legal systems Organization of La Francophonie, the Center created an semester, and October 1 for the follow- draw their inspiration from English Common Law — in English- and French-language data base on Louisiana and ing spring semester. For more informa- which judges base their decisions on precedents established civil law. The school also honored the bicentennial of le code tion, please visit: www.facecouncil.org. in similar cases — Louisiana's civil code is modeled after civil louisianais May 16-18 with a series of bilingual sym- CELEBRATED FRENCH CHEF TO Spanish civil law and the Napoleonic Code, which encour- posia that brought together francophone legal experts from HOST GOURMET DINNER IN ages judges to academically interpret the law on a case-by- around the world. NEW ORLEANS case basis instead of ruling stare decisis (a policy of follow- LSU is not the only institution in the state to commem- ing rules, principals, or decisions laid down in previous orate France and America's shared cultural and legal her- judicial cases unless they conflict with the ordinary princi- itage. On May 27, the Acadian Cultural Center in LaFayette, pals of justice). LA, opened "1808 — Code civil louisianais," a bilingual Although the current code civil louisanais was recast and exhibition, running through the rest of the year, that translated into English in 1870, it follows the structure of explores the state's civil law as an honored establishment as the French Civil Code of 1804 and remains faithful in spir- well as a unique ingredient of America's rich and diverse it. Furthermore, in the event of linguistic contradictions cultural makeup. For more information, please visit: between the two versions, the Louisiana State Supreme www.nps.gov/jela/new-acadian-cultural-center.htm.

Jacques Puisais, French creator of "phi- losophy of taste," came to New Count LaFayette Returns to U.S. for a Boston Ceremony Orleans on June 19 for a much antici- Massachusetts citizens honored the long history of pated culinary event at the Mélange French-American friendship dating back to the restaurant in the Ritz-Carlton. Founder of the "Institut du goût" (Taste Revolutionary War last month by welcoming the direct Institute) in Paris, he aims to educate descendant of American Revolutionary War hero the food enthusiasts, particularly the Marquis de LaFayette and his wife to Boston. younger generation, in becoming Count Gilbert de Pusy LaFayette and his wife Irasema experts in taste. The event, "The Art of attended a welcome reception at the Taj Boston on May Tasting," includes the dégustation of a 18, as well as a formal ceremony at the State House on menu developed by Mr. Puisais, during May 20. The program, sponsored by the Massachusetts which he will comment on the ways to LaFayette Society and the Club Richelieu Alain Briottet, taste and suggest food and wine com- featured reflections by the Count and other French con- binations. Puisais also spoke at the sular and Massachusetts government officials, as well as a new Southern Food and Beverage esse/Bosoton Museum on June 14 at the Riverwalk performance of the French and American national in New Orleans. He will discuss gas- anthems by Les Petits Chanteurs of the International tronomy and educating children's School of Boston. In addition, the captain of the French palates. In addition, the French expert

© Service de Pr Navy ship Le Cassard and crew members came to Boston gave a talk at Nunu's Café in Pictured left-right: Alan Hoffman, President of the to participate a wreath-laying ceremony. The day con- Arnaudville on "Wine & Food Pairing" Massachusetts LaFayette Society; François Gauthier, cluded with a reception and a three-course luncheon at on June 15. The event is sponsored by Consul general of France in Boston; Count Gilbert de the Union Club, and was followed by an evening concert the Consulate General of France in Pusy LaFayette; and State Senator Richard T. Moore. by French violonist and concertist Véronique Davério. New Orleans and the Southern Food and Beverage Museum. NEWS FROM FRANCE 3 [ In Depth ]

France to Head the Six-Month Rotating EU Presidency

This July,France will take the reins of the presidency of the Council of the European The European Communities began to expand in the 1970s and 1980s with the admission Union (E.U.), a six-month rotating position that allows member states to create an of new member states including Denmark, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Greece, Spain, and agenda and influence EU policy. Portugal. In 1986, an intergovernmental conference signed the Single European Act, the first In addition to taking charge of the Council's agenda, the president's duties include major amendment to the Treaties since the merger,paving the way toward the single market. chairing meetings, promoting legislative and political decisions, and brokering com- The next major turning point came in 1992, with the signing of the Treaty of Maastricht, promises between member states. The role of the position is not to impose an individ- which established the European Union. In Maastricht, member states agreed to work together ual country's view,but rather to foster consensus and compromise and to promote con- on foreign and security policy,and the three pillars that currently embody EU policy areas were tinuity from previous presidencies. established: community domain, common foreign and security policy,and police and judicial France has set four main priorities for its presidency,along with promoting several cooperation in criminal matters. Furthermore, the EEC was renamed as the European other goals. Community (EC) to reflect its expanded political, social, environmental, and regional role. The first and foremost item on the agenda for France's presidency is sustainable Under its new name, the Union continued to grow.In 1995, Austria, Sweden, and Finland development and energy policy. France aims to strengthen Europe's role in interna- were admitted, and since 2004, twelve more countries have become a part of the community. tional climate negotiations by encouraging the European Council to arrive at a political European countries continue to apply and seek admittance. agreement on the energy-climate package before the Copenhagen Conference in 2009. Among the E.U.'s most prominent achievements was the introduction of the euro in 2002. In addition, the presidency will make energy security proposals concerning both the Thanks to this singular European currency and other efforts of the E.U., Europe today is more E.U.itself and its relations with major partners such as Russia. unified economically and politically than ever before. France's second priority concerns immigration and asylum. The presidency hopes to reinforce common principles that govern responses to migratory pressures through the adoption of a European Immigration and Asylum Pact. The Pact will improve har- The E.U.’s Insitutions: How It Works monization and sharing of policies on asylum applications, reception, and integration, The E.U. relies heavily on three political institutions and two non-political institutions to as well as combating illegal immigration. address the concerns and interests of its 27 member states and to translate differences with- The incoming president's agenda also encompasses issues ofEuropean security and in the E.U.into shared European solutions. defense. France wants to update the European Security Strategy to take The European Parliament,the first element of the "institutional triangle," acts as the leg- into account the E.U.'s enlargement,along with new threats such as food islative branch of the E.U. that represents its citizens. Among the three institutions, the security, energy security, non-proliferation, and cyber defense. Parliament is the only body that allows the people to elect its offi- Furthermore, the presidency is committed to bolstering the European cials. The Parliament passes new European laws, supervises and Security and Defense Policy in a way that is complementary to NATO. upholds the democratic ideals on other European institu- The final priority of the French presidency involves defining tions, and influences the direction of EU spending.The common principles for the future of the Common Agricultural Parliament thus expresses the democratic will of the Union's Policy (CAP), especially concerning the correction of world food nearly 500 million citizens, and represents their interests in dis- imbalances, environment, geographical balances, and food quality. cussions with the other EU institutions. The incumbent In addition to the four main objectives, France has set several President of the European Parliament,Hans-Gert Pöttering of other broad-reaching goals, which include building the competitive- Germany,will continue to serve his tenure until the next elec- ness of the European economy,boosting the social dimension of EU tion in June 2009. action and mobility, and giving fresh momentum to the Barcelona The second institution is the Council of the European Union. Process, whose goal is to strengthen Euro-Mediterranean relations It is the E.U.’s main decision-making body, and represents the member states. The Council, and security.Furthermore, as ratification of the Lisbon Treaty is cur- governed by a rotating presidency with tenure of six months and one representative minis- rently underway,the French presidency will spearhead this process of ter from each EU member state,jointly passes EU laws and approves of the EU budget in tan- ratification, as well as prepare for the Treaty's implementation in dem with the European Parliament. Many of the Council's responsibilities relate to areas of January 2009. For more information, please visit: www.ue2008.fr. action where the member states have decided to pool their sovereignty and delegate decision- making powers to the EU institutions so that decisions on specific matters of joint interest can be made democratically at the European level. However,some of its responsibilities,such The European Union: A Brief History as Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) or coordinating between national courts The E.U., as it exists today,emerged out of desire for increased European unity in the and police forces in criminal matters, also relate to areas in which the member states have not tumultuous post-World War II era. The vision for this unity has been evolving and delegated their powers and are simply working together. expanding ever since. The European Commission,the third and final major political institution, essentially the European nations, confronted with the enormous economic and human costs of European Union’s executive branch, is committed to upholding a common interest for the World War II, were determined to prevent any further major conflict between neigh- E.U.The Commission is comprised of 27 appointed commissioners—one for each mem- boring countries. This ambition led to the creation of the European Coal and Steel ber state— each of whom is responsible for specific policy areas. This body manages and Community (ECSC) in 1951 in Paris, which created a common market for coal and implements EU policies, ranging from budgetary issues to enforcement of EU law to repre- steel. The ECSC, joining the forces of France, Italy, West Germany, Belgium, senting the E.U.on an international level. Luxembourg,and the Netherlands,is the first major foundation ofand precursor to the A fourth but non-political institution is the Court of Justice, the highest court of the modern-day E.U. Union. It holds member states accountable to EU law and settles disputes between institu- In 1957, the European Economic Community (EEC) and the European Atomic tions or states. The other non-political institution is the European Court of Auditors,which Energy Community (Euratom) were born out of the Treaties of Rome. Though origi- ensures that taxpayer funds from the EU budget have been spent wisely. nally established separately of the ECSC, the entities merged in 1967 into what is known There are various informal institutions within the E.U. that exist as sub-categories to as the three "European Communities." At this point, efforts at European unity revolved consult on and address specific matters, including the Economic and Social Committee, around economic policies — the treaties had established joint-decision making on coal, Committee of the Regions, the European Investment Bank, the European Environment steel, nuclear power, and other economic sectors. But the EEC gradually began to take Agency, and the European Ombudsman. For more information, please visit: on social, environmental, and regional policies in addition to economic ones. www.ec.europa.eu.

4 NEWS FROM FRANCE [Business and Technology ] DIOR LAUNCHES UPSCALE PHONE

CNES and NASA Team Up to Explore Oceanography

Joint missions between the Jason-2, designed by both French and

US National Aeronautics American engineers, is expected to launch ©Dior and Space Administration from Vandenberg Air Force Base in (NASA) and French Space California on June 21 and can measure Consumers can now see the famous Dior name branded across Agency (CNES) have revo- ocean sea surface height on a centimetric more than just handbags and lutionized oceanography by scale with high-accuracy scientific payloads. scarves. The French fashion giant allowing meteorologists to After performing the launch and the initial recently released a line of mobile accurately measure ocean assessments of the satellite,NASA and CNES phones in an effort to boost sales levels and explain the forces will hand spacecraft operations over to the and appeal to fashionistas world- that lead to climate change, US National Oceanic and Atmospheric wide. Dior joins other major luxury- hurricanes, and rising seas. Administration (NOAA) and EUMETSAT, goods companies such as Prada, Altimetry, the space- the European Organization for the Dolce & Gabbana, and Giorgio based measurements of Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites. Armani in releasing designer the sea surface height, French and American space agencies phones. However, along with the The Jason-2 will help track, predict, and Dior phone’s glitz and glam comes provides precious infor- are already planning the successor to Jason- explain ocean currents and weather patterns. a novel feature. The phone mation about ocean cur- 2. Scheduled to be sent into orbit in 2012, includes a "mini phone" that is rents and their influence on weather patterns. After Jason-3, in addition to Jason-2, will play a crucial role in the bet- linked to the Dior phone by blue- TOPEX/Poseidon, launched in 1992, and Jason-1, launched in ter understanding and forecasting of short- and long-term weath- tooth technology and can be 2001, the Jason-2 satellite will relay valuable oceanic data from the er phenomenon and symbolizes the strength of the cooperation clipped to the side of a bag, mak- spacecraft's on-board radar system to thousands of meteorolo- between France and America within the field of science. For more ing it easier for users to place and gists all over the world using altimetric techniques. information, please visit: www.cnes.fr. receive calls without having to dig around. The Dior phone features 3.21 carats of VS, FG, brilliantly cut Larousse Goes Virtual diamonds, and unscratchable sap- phire crystal, with a talk time of up French speakers can shelve the heavy books because the Larousse is now only a click away. The more-than 150-year-old publishing to 4 hours. The phones will be house launched an online version of its encyclopedia last month, available free of charge to Web surfers worldwide. made by French manufacturer The new resource (www.larousse.fr) allows users both to consult Larousse encyclopedia entries and to contribute content interac- ModeLabs Group, who has been tively. However, unlike popular Web encyclopedias such as Wikipedia, Larousse will keep the two functions separate, while requiring investing in research and develop- contributing authors to identify themselves. Their goal is to create a distinction between unedited and edited material. ment for the new line. For more The publishing house is inserting itself into a pool of increasingly popular free Web encyclopedias that allow users to contribute and information, please vist: edit material. Wikipedia, the frontrunner of the bunch, is one of the six most consulted Web sites on the Internet. In addition, Google www.dior.com. recently launched Knol, an online encyclopedia whose articles are written by identified contributors and only edited with permission from the original author. 70 YEARS OF VALUING FILM Larousse has a long standing in the world of nonfiction and reference books. Founded by Auguste Boyer and Pierre Larousse in The International Federation of Film Archives, known as FIAF, celebrated 1852, the publishing house has since acquired an international reputation. It continues to print dictionaries, encyclopedias and gener- its 70th anniversary in April at the al works of reference, including its famous Petit Larousse, of which over one million copies a year are printed. historic Cinémathèque française in Paris. The event featured the screen- ing of a restored version of French French Company Wins Contract to Design 2008 Olympic Tickets director Jean-Pierre Melville's famous 1969 film, "Army in the Shadows." tions such as inlay paper, silver ink printed antenna and flip French Minister of Culture and chip die attach or Radio-frequency Identification (RFID) Communication Christine Albanel labels—a breakthrough technology that protects against introduced the film at the event. fraudulent tickets and that will facilitate entry into the "France places great importance on the conservation, restoration, and Games for eager sports enthusiasts. diffusion of cinema from our coun- ASK has joined forces with China's third largest PC try," she said. Founded in 1938, FIAF manufacturer, TongFang, to manufacture and market con- unites film-related organizations tactless paper-based products, including these innovative worldwide to collect, preserve and French firm ASK designed anti-counterfeiting tickets. With state-of-the-art production equipment, ASK restore films. It has grown to include technology for this year's Olympic tickets. and TongFang should be able to deliver up to 200 million more than 120 members, most of units of contactless paper-based tickets, inlays, and labels which are film archives associated The projected 12 million spectators at the 29th Olympic each year. with governments, museums, uni- Games in Beijing this summer will be carrying a "little bit" Over the course of around ten years, ASK has become versities, and non-profit institutions. of French technology in their pockets. the world leader in contactless smart cards, paper tickets, FIAF values films not only as artistic works but as historical documents. French company ASK has won the contract to design and RFID labels, with over 70 million products in circula- The anniversary corresponded with the tickets for the upcoming Games. ASK's technology tion worldwide. Originally a modest start-up, this French the Federation's 64th Congress, embeds an anti-fraud detection system in each of the tick- company now employs over 130 people and generated a the annual meeting that offers ets to prevent illegal duplication. turnover of 35 million euros in 2006, 70 percent of which symposia and workshops relating The ticket design for the 29th Olympiad is the fruition was in exports. to aspects of film archival, history, of technology that secured some fifty patents for innova- For more information, please visit: www.ask.fr. and culture.

NEWS FROM FRANCE 5 Society ON THE ROAD TO ROAD REFORM [ ] French Students Plugging In An elementary school in Amiens, a town nestled in the suburbs experience as interactive as possible — a learning approach of north Paris, has gone digital. At the Châteaudun school, the that transcends the traditional classroom and enters into day begins by plugging in interactive white boards rather than the home. For example, a laptop is given to all teachers to writing on blackboards. The school was one of 12 establishments increase communication with students, allowing them to In anticipation of summer travel and hol- worldwide selected by Microsoft two years ago to participate in connect after school hours. Instructors realize that stu- iday vacations, the National Council of an innovative classroom program. The board features a screen dents may need help with homework, so they post helpful Road Security in France launched a new and an electronic stylet to allow students to visualize and con- Web sites containing study guides and tips. campaign to decrease road-side acci- ceptualize lessons. Students claim they prefer the school's inte- Pupils who are learning a foreign language benefit from dents and to promote responsible driving grated use of technology because it encourages active participa- teachers who post recordings in MP3 format. Audio files con- behavior. Titled "Road Security, Everyone tion among them. taining vocabulary words and dialogues are uploaded online for Is Responsible," this public awareness The school's pedagogy is structured to incorporate the students to listen to proper pronunciations, allowing them to campaign aims to decrease the casualties latest developments in technology, making the learning learn in the comfort of their own home and at their own pace. and injuries that occur daily on French roadways. Casualties have already decreased from over 8,000 in 2000 by over half in 2007. Globally, the majority French Youth Heading Outdoors for Summer Vacation of road accidents are caused by drivers As schools let out mer experience. Their programs are based on the belief who speed, change lanes abruptly, or and summer vaca- that children are naturally inclined to discovery and operate while distracted, according to tion enters full curiosity about their environments, but are less and less the French Ministry of Ecology, Energy, swing, more than privy to it in today's world. Vacation, they say, is a time for Sustainable Development and Town four million French children to be outside, to get in touch with nature. and Country Planning. In order to raise students will let Among these organizations is the three-year-old Sous la awareness about the consequences of loose through sum- lune, which develops thematic programs that allow 9- to 12- careless driving, public television stations broadcasted minute-long features mer travel and day year-olds to spend around a week absorbed in a natural envi- showing the fatal outcomes of aggres- camps, according ronment. Slightly older adolescents who wish to travel can take sive and reckless behavior between pro- to the French bike treks in other European countries through a program grams in May. Parallel programs encour- Ministry of Health, offered by sans-frontières.fr. For the more science-oriented, an aging appropriate road conduct also French youth will be exploring the Youth, and Sport. organization called Objectif Sciences offers children the aired on the radio and on the Internet. In splendor of nature this Depending on opportunity to complete a scientific project on small group addition, cyclists will be encouraged to summer vacation. their age and inter- trips lasting two weeks. wear reflective vests when bicycling at ests, children and adolescents can spend their days doing any- In addition, Yvelines Campus, a program that allows night. By 2012, the National Council of thing from scout camp to overseas adventure. children to discover nature on horseback, has been offering Road Security aims to decrease accidents In recent years, several French organizations have free day trips for youth since 2006. Last July, around 7,000 by at least 30 percent. begun to emphasize the importance of an outdoor sum- children participated in their sessions. FRANCE ANNOUNCES HEALTH CARE REFORM France's health care system, which was voted the best system worldwide by the CAPTURE ACTION OF Nadal's unprecedented 4th victory in a a year later became the first person to World Health Organization (WHO) in THE FRENCH OPEN row, this year over Roger Federer. cross the Mediterranean Sea by plane. 2001, is undergoing reforms to reduce Love may mean nothing in Originating in 1891 as a one-day The unique red clay composition of costs, increase efficiency, and improve patient care. While renowned for its tennis, but not for the thousands of men's tournament between French ten- the Stade de Roland Garros (pictured universal coverage and responsive spectators who filled the Stade de nis club members, Roland Garros has left) increases the level of difficulty dur- health care providers, France will Roland Garros at this year's French ing play and results in longer matches improve allocation of resources, collab- Open. Those who couldn't make it in because it generates higher and slower oration between public and private person, however, will "love" bounces, giving each player slightly health providers, and response to emer- http://www.parlonstennis.com, a blog more reaction time. While some of the gency situations. To accommodate dedicated year-round to the popular most famous names in today's tennis cir- regional budgetary needs, new policies sport. The site provides up-to-date news cuit, including Serena Williams and will further decentralize the system by and commentary from the tennis world, Andre Agassi, have emerged victorious creating regional hospital communities.

notably the French Open and the other © FFT in Paris, other notable tennis stars, Hospitals will be able to self-allocate funds based on their particular needs. three Grand Slam tournaments. evolved into an internationally renowned including world champions, have never Public hospitals in these communities Tennis players from more than 60 tennis competition. By 1925, it had been able to master the red clay. will also be granted additional aid and countries took to the courts from May opened its doors to both women and for- French Open enthusiasts looking for subsidies to fund the specific require- 25 - June 8 in Paris's Stade de Roland eign players. The "French International," more can also visit the tournament's ments of low-income communities and Garros for the 2008 French Open. as it was then called, moved into the official site, www.rolandgarros.com, to to encourage collaboration with private Roland Garros, as the tournament is also newly constructed stadium that soon access videos as well as information on physicians. In addition, urgent care will known, hosted hundreds of the world's became the tournament's namesake in the Open's history, past victories, and be improved through the creation of most talented athletes vying to win one 1928. The stadium, and consequently the images of its greatest moments. one hundred emergency centers in dis- of the most competitive tennis tourna- tournament, were named after Roland News From France does not endorse advantaged areas. A hotline will also be ments in the world. The French-lan- Garros, a renowned 20th century French the content, views and opinions of initiated throughout France to direct cri- sis calls to emergency rooms and doc- guage blog allows tennis fans to relive aviator who achieved the record for the authors expressed in the aforemen- tors on call. the moments leading up to Rafael highest altitude in an airplane in 1912 and tioned Web sites.

6 NEWS FROM FRANCE [Cultural Highlights ] les coups d’oeil FRANCE MOURNS THE LOSS OF A “The Grace Kelly Years” — the Iconic Figure Returns to Paris ent FASHION GIANT France laments the The elegance of Grace Kelly is once again in Paris with a new exhibit mark- loss of one of its ing the 25th anniversary of her death. "The Grace Kelly Years: Princess of most famous and Monaco" displays never-before-seen belongings of the American celebrity influential fashion this summer at the Salle Saint-Jean in Paris's Hôtel de Ville. designers, Yves

Arranged by the Grimaldi Forum Monaco, the cultural liaison of the © Fndtn. Bergé Saint Laur Saint Laurent, who Mediterranean principality, this exposition explores the many dimensions of Saint Laurent died on June 1 at working on this iconic woman—as wife, mother, humanitarian, Hollywood star, and the age of 71. his collection, Princess of Monaco. Along with photographs, jewelry, film clips, and cloth- Known for revolu- 1962. tionizing women's ing, more intimate possessions will be on display, such as personal corre- dress through the popularization of spondences with Jacqueline Kennedy, Alfred Hitchcock, and opera diva such fashions as the trouser suit and the Maria Callas. Highlights of the exhibition include the Hermès bag that bears tuxedo, Saint Laurent is revered as a hall- her name, her wedding gown, and works by the world-renowned fashion mark of haute couture in Paris and photographers Irving Penn, Howell Conant, and Cecil Beaton. around the world. A memorial service Her career in Hollywood, her marriage to Prince Rainier, and her pre- for the designer was held on June 5 at mature death transformed the life of Grace Kelly into a modern fairytale. the Saint Roch church in Paris. Among The exhibit seeks to go beyond this image by presenting lesser-known those in attendance were French aspects of her life and legacy, such as her involvement in the Princess Grace President Nicolas Sarkozy and stars from Foundation, an organization that supports artisans, dancers, and musicians the fashion and film world, including Paris celebrates the glamour of Grace designers Christian Lacroix and Jean- in Monaco. For more information, please visit: www.paris.fr. Kelly and her many accomplishments. Paul Gaultier, model, singer and French first lady Carla Sarkozy, as well as actress- es Catherine Deneuve and Jeanne Cannes: More Than a Film Festival Moreau. The service was also broadcast live on a large screen outside the church, Behind the glitz and glamour, the Cannes Film Festival remains in the "Livre des projets" allowing a crowd of onlookers and jour- one of the most esteemed international events in the film indus- (Projects Brochure), nalists to bid farewell. Saint Laurent was try. While the festival is famous for the quantity of the films it which is distributed to born in 1936 in Oran, Algeria and devel- screens, the creativity of the artists, and the enthusiasm of the Festival attendees—par- oped his interest in drawing and fashion fans, Cannes's success comes from its willingness to accommo- ticularly to producers. early in life. After moving to Paris in his late teens, he landed a job with date the constantly changing boundaries of cinema. The Festival also cre- Christian Dior at the tender age of 19 During the closing ceremony of the 61st annual Festival, ates an international and became chief designer for the fash- Frenchman Laurent Cantet was awarded the "Palme d'Or," forum, allowing for the ion house just two years later. His fast Cannes's highest honor, for his feature-length film "Entre les global exchange of and successful rise in the industry murs" (The Class). This film, which depicts the start of a new aca- screenplays, movie ideas, enabled him to open his own label with demic year in a disadvantaged Parisian neighborhood, was the and inspiration. During partner Pierre Bergé in 1961. first French film in 21 years to win the coveted prize. this year's Festival, actor, While the film screenings and the red carpets last only two rapper, and now produc- 60 YEARS OF MUSIC UNDER THE SUN

© Haut et Court The annual music festival in the south- weeks, the General Delegate of the Festival nurtures young talent er Will Smith bought the French director Laurent Cantet ern French city Aix-en-Provence is cele- year-round. In 2000, "Cinéfondation," a Festival organization, rights to remake brating its 60th anniversary this sum- developed "Résidence," a program that gives emerging filmmak- won the coveted Palme d’Or "Bienvenue Chez les at this year’s Cannes Festival. mer. Founded in July 1948 as a reaction ers the opportunity to spend around five months writing a fea- Ch'tis," a blockbuster to the carnage of World War II, the fes- ture-length film, as well as allowing them to meet established comedy about regional differences in France. According to tival was chiefly dedicated to the sooth- directors, screenwriters, and other film professionals. At the end French newspaper "Le Parisien," the American version will prob- ing works of Mozart. Initially consisting of each year,the best screenplay is awarded 20,000 euros to defray ably center around a character whose company transfers him of six concerts and an opera, this cele- production costs. In addition, before each Festival, from an urban to a rural setting,where he discovers and adapts to bration of music has grown into a Cinéfondation selects fifteen screenplays and publishes them the different lifestyle. monthlong event that accommodates both classical and contemporary com- posers, as well as music classes taught American Sculptor Leaves Towering Image on Paris by renowned masters, including world- famous Finnish opera soprano Karita France showcased the work sive atrium of the exhibition hall, Serra designed Mattila. The festival also gives young of 68-year-old American "Promenade," a composition of five enormous slabs of singers, musicians, composers, and sculptor Richard Serra at steel, each 56-feet tall and weighing 73 tons. The sculpture conductors an arena to display their tal- the Grand Palais exhibition changes as the light in the atrium shifts. At times the plates ent. The popularity of the music festival hall in Paris in May and appear to bend toward or away from the viewer, and at has grown particularly strong with June. Serra, known for his night, the creation becomes a "somber sanctuary" for its younger groups thanks to an increase gigantic steel sculptures, observers. in opera and classical music apprecia- presented a new piece at Serra was recently decorated Commander in the Order tion among this age group. To accom- modate larger audiences, the historical the annual exposition of Arts and Letters, a tribute awarded by the French venues at the former Archbishop's "Monumenta," hosted by Academy to artists and musicians. Another massive work Courtyard and at the St-Sauveur the French Ministry of by the sculptor, "Clara-Clara," bought by the city in 1983, Cathedral were renovated, and a new Culture. Visitors are dwarfed by was also newly refinished and restored to its previous place open-air theater was built just outside Inspired by the expan- Serra's massive sculptures. in the Tuileries gardens. the city's center.

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