The next presidential elections in France in 2027 will be decisive for the development of all of Europe.
This opinion was expressed by former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin in an interview with Ukrinform.
The diplomat noted the impact that the results of key elections in EU countries have on Ukraine’s European integration.
“For example, the upcoming presidential elections in France. They will be decisive not only for us and for our integration. They will be decisive for the development of Europe as a whole. This is because today’s Europe has been largely built by the French, based on what I would call a rational French model. In other words, the architects of modern Europe largely come from France. I do not want to downplay the role of Germans, Italians, Dutch, Belgians — anyone — but France has iconic figures and a significant influence in terms of how Europe functions. And if there is some kind of rupture next year, it will be a rupture for all of Europe, and therefore for our European integration as well,” the former foreign minister said.
He also named the elections in Germany among the important upcoming international events, noting that a potential reset of the governing coalition there could also negatively affect Ukraine’s European integration.
“Moreover, we should remember that even in the case of successful pre-accession negotiations, no one has отменено a referendum (on EU membership – ed.), which could take place in France. Or in the Netherlands or Hungary. And in order to win these referendums, we need very complex and systemic solutions in how we work with these countries. This is not about working with individual politicians. Although the relationship between Presidents Zelenskyy and Macron is a positive story for us. But, as you understand, it is the French people who vote, not Macron. And as you can clearly see, the majority of French people do not like Macron — just look at any poll. There will also be a very difficult referendum in the Netherlands. And in Hungary as well. I believe the Kremlin will do everything possible to ensure that the referendum goes very badly. And this European track is extremely important for us,” the diplomat said.
In this regard, he believes that the Ukrainian authorities should actively use diplomacy at the regional level, establishing and developing as many regional partnerships as possible. According to Klimkin, after the end of hostilities in Ukraine, regional diplomacy may become key to the country’s future European integration.
