News Archive

Senior French diplomat to give talk at University – University of Reading

The University of Reading is delighted to announce that on Tuesday 11 March M. Diégo Colas, First Secretary at the French Embassy in London, will be visiting its Whiteknights Campus, to give a fascinating informal talk about the current political relationship between Britain and France.

Open to all, this event gives a wonderful opportunity not only to hear from a seasoned (and perfectly Anglophone) French diplomat who is nearing the end of a successful tour of duty in London, but also to ask questions on the important issues affecting the two countries today.

In the past year, France has elected Nicolas Sarkozy to the presidency, Gordon Brown has succeeded Tony Blair in the UK premiership and both leaders have signed a treaty aimed at settling the EU's long-standing institutional debates. In three weeks, President Sarkozy will pay an official visit to the UK (26 to 28 March); in four months, France will hold the EU Presidency (from July to December).

Do these developments signal a new departure in the chequered history of Franco-British relations? How will the difficult ratification process of the Lisbon Treaty (already completed in France) proceed across Europe? Will France win the support of the UK for its European agenda? Will the French economy under Sarkozy converge towards a more 'Anglo-Saxon' model? Will Franco-British co-operation in defence regain momentum after the rift over Iraq? Will Sarkozy's support help Tony Blair to the presidency of the European Council?

Professor Andrew Knapp, Director of European Studies at the University of Reading said: "With the recent election of Sarkozy and his visit to the UK in March, this is a very important time in the relationship between the two countries. We are very fortunate to have Diégo Colas come to the University and deliver expert comment on the situation after years of experience at the London Embassy."

The talk takes place in Room 44 of the Humanities and Social Sciences building on Tuesday 11 March 2008, at 6.00 PM. It is free and open to all – but places are limited, so you are advised to book in advance with Natasha Cording, tel 0118 378 8121, email french@reading.ac.uk

Ends

For media enquiries only, please contact James Barr, the University's Press Assistant on: 0118 378 7115 or by email j.w.barr@reading.ac.uk