This interview is copyright-free for publication by your media.

Helping Strasbourg to fulfil its European role

On Monday 26 January, at its winter session, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe will debate a report by the Committee on Economic Affairs and Development on reinforcing Strasbourg's European potential. Interview with the rapporteur Bernard Schreiner, a French MP:

Interview (20.01.2004)

Question: Next Monday you will present a report entitled "Realising Strasbourg's potential as a European capital" to the Parliamentary Assembly on behalf of the Committee on Economic Affairs and Development. Can you tell us why the Assembly felt this report was necessary?

Bernard Schreiner: The report answers a twofold need. Firstly, a need felt by all my fellow parliamentarians from the Council's 45 member states who regularly come to Strasbourg to attend sessions of the Assembly and also by the diplomats and officials from all these countries in post at the Council of Europe. They are all particularly concerned about the problem of access to Strasbourg by rail and, above all, by air. The situation is even more difficult for those who come from central and eastern Europe. That is why the report stresses the importance of improving transport links, so as to guarantee Strasbourg's lasting role as a European capital. It must not be forgotten that the 45 member states not only have permanent delegations in Strasbourg, but also each have a judge at the European Court of Human Rights.

However, my report is not confined to Strasbourg as the site of the Council of Europe. It is also relevant to the other institutions, in particular the European Parliament, which certain pressure groups wish to see change the location of its sessions. Lastly, this report is intended as a strong message of support for the action taken by the French government and by Noëlle Lenoir, the Minister Delegate for European Affairs, whose aim is to reinforce Strasbourg's role as a European capital.

Question: Apart from the problems of accessibility, you focus on the need for better international education facilities in Strasbourg. In particular, you mention the need to offer a full English-speaking curriculum from primary to post-secondary level.

Bernard Schreiner: I know that some people in France do not welcome this idea of a full international education in English, but the facts must be faced. English is becoming increasingly important in international relations. This means that, if we want to attract young high-level diplomats and officials to Strasbourg, we have to be able to offer their children the possibility of being taught in English, especially since, on account of the careers they pursue, the parents are stationed in Strasbourg for a limited time and are subsequently transferred elsewhere.

Question: What tangible results do you expect from this report?

Bernard Schreiner: As you are aware, the Parliamentary Assembly has no means of acting on the recommendations. However, it can draw attention to the situation and call on governments to deal with it, while stressing that Strasbourg, a city which symbolises peace, sets great store by its European role. In this respect the report is addressed not just to France, but to the governments of all the member states. I can say that this was how it was perceived within the Committee on Economic Affairs and Development, whose members approved it unanimously.