Ambassadors at FSS: Integration into the European Union brings advantages, says French ambassador

Belgium, France, Israel. During the twenty-three years of his career, the French diplomat Alexis Dutertre has worked in all these countries. Currently, he represents the interests of his home country as an ambassador in the Czech Republic and he has been doing so for two years now. “I see the possibility to give students lectures as a great opportunity”, said Dutertre about his visit to the Faculty of Social Studies at Masaryk University. Last week, he discussed the importance of European integration, his work and current events with the students of the International Relations and European Studies department.

You have a lot of experience with international politics. What is your view on the current situation in Ukraine?

It is an unprecedented aggression coming from the Russian side, a clear violation of international law. At the same time, I am happy to see the European Union strong and united in its response. The sanctions imposed on Russia will significantly harm Russian interests. Ukraine is not a member of North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and so the European Union is not going into direct military confrontation with Russia. Nevertheless, we are in great solidarity with Ukraine. The Union fully respects its territorial integrity and will do as much as possible to not only harm the interests of Russia, but also to support Ukrainians, even in terms of arms supplies.

But will the damage to Russian interests done by sanctions be enough to stop Russia?

I am not saying it will. However, the European Union has clearly declared that if Putin crosses the red line, he will have to pay for it. The sanctions are massive, and they have very severe and immediate consequences. I think it is great that the European Union is able to show the world that it can effectively defend its interests against aggressive powers in its immediate surroundings. And I am not even surprised. If the safety of the European continent is what is in stake, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the Union are unified.

The Czech Republic and France have many common interests

Before the start of the war in Ukraine, coronavirus was the main topic. How would you comment on the cooperation of the Czech Republic and France in the fight against the pandemic?

I will once again highlight the great quality of the European Union which helped us immensely in managing the pandemic. In less than a year we were able to develop very efficient vaccines, buy them and express solidarity with countries outside the Union. Critics have said that the Union is acting selfish in the redistribution of the vaccines outside its territory. I do not like such false statements. The European Union has become the first worldwide provider and doner of vaccines. Particularly the African countries have received a lot of vaccine donations. The European Union has strongly supported vaccination, which turned out to be the right decision if we look at the data from hospitals. On the other hand, we have underestimated the situation around face masks and were completely reliant on China. However, I think we have learned from that mistake. It is important that the Union invests in key technologies and stays competitive.

So far, you have been primarily mentioning the European Union, but what are the main topics of the Czech-French relations?

On the bilateral level, we have a lot of common interests – the safety in Sahel in North Africa or the interest in the nuclear power plant as a part of the solution of our climate ambitions. Both countries also support the mobility of students. The cultural ties are tight as well. However, the main thing we cannot forget is the presidency of the Council of the EU. The current trio, meaning three presidency states going after one another, are France, the Czech Republic and Sweden. Therefore, we share this responsibility, and it is very important that we cooperate.

The advantages coming from the membership in the Union cannot be perceived as a matter of course

It is not your first time giving lectures to the students of the Faculty of Social Studies. You have participated in the course How do they see us? last year as well. Why did you decide to accept the invitation again?

Debating with students is very important to me. My aim is to explain to them what the European politics are about or, for example, what are the duties of member states. I really enjoyed the meeting last year and it was a great opportunity for me to talk with young people. Even though we were only communicating online via video chat, it was very interactive. The students had excellent questions and the atmosphere was very friendly. So when I was invited again, of course I agreed. And I am thrilled that this time I can be present here in Brno and that I am not calling from my office in Prague. I would be happy to take part in the course again.

What would like to pass on to the students with your lecture?

The main thing I would like them to take from my lecture is the importance of the integration of the European Union. In today’s Europe, without regards to their size, the states cannot only count on themselves. It is not beneficial for the country’s interests and it also complicates its growth. I strongly believe in the added value of the integration of the European Union.

The Czech Republic has been a member of the Union since 2004. Why do you see this topic as relevant today?

Because the younger generation often takes the advantages of the membership in the Union for granted, they see it as something natural. Democracy, peace, freedom of media, student exchange programs, easier traveling, all of this cannot be taken for granted. And it is necessary to remember this, which is also why I decided to primarily share this topic with the students.

How would you evaluate the cooperation between the French universities and the Masaryk University?

Your university is a member of the European Digital University (EDUC) alliance along with two French universities. That is why it is interesting for me to visit the Masaryk University and support the cooperation. Nowadays, we have hundreds of subjects at the French universities which are taught in English, so the students do not necessarily need to speak French. However, I personally think that the young generation likes the French language and culture a lot. The students of Masaryk University are more than welcome in France, whether they want to study there or spend their gap year there.