EU's priority is a positive agenda for the 27, not Brexit
There was much talk this week of the beginning of a fightback against the populists in Europe.
New French president Emmanuel Macron received EU Council president Donald Tusk in Paris, expressing new hope in the reconstruction of Europe, following his decisive election victory.
Reform of the European Union, a key component of his election campaign, should focus on real issues such as the posted workers directive, reciprocity in trade policy issues, a less bureaucratic, more protective Europe, and a more integrated eurozone.
Mr Tusk welcomed M Macron's election as a sign of hope for Europe. "A strong EU, capable of being sovereign in relation to the external world, capable of protecting its values, culture and economic interests, capable of protecting its external border, is the best, and perhaps the only guarantee of national and state sovereignty and independence," he said.
At this week's European Parliament plenary, MEPs debating Brexit were also keen to focus on a positive agenda, in parallel to the talks for an orderly withdrawal of the UK. They outlined an agenda for a reformed EU which would respond speedily to citizens’ concerns and make the benefits of European integration more visible.
The EU's priority now is a positive agenda for the Union of 27, Mr Tusk told the MEPs, not Brexit.