With five weeks to go before the presidential election in France, TheMerode welcomes Michel Barnier to present his vision of the issues at stake and of Europe’s current role in the world. With twelve months now passed since Brexit, he will review the economic and political impact of Britain’s break from the Union on both Belgium and France.

Michel Barnier entered politics in 1973, first in Savoie, then at the national and European level. He was elected the youngest French deputy for the first time in 1978. A seasoned Minister (Environment, European Affairs, Foreign Affairs, Agriculture and Food) Barnier has twice been European Commissioner, first for Regional Policy then Internal Market and Financial Services.

In 2016, he became chief negotiator for the European Union, in charge of all negotiations related to Brexit and leading the task force to both finalise them and decide on the shape of a future relationship with the UK.

While unsuccessful as a candidate at the 2021 Republican convention for the 2022 presidential election, he is now campaigning for the right-wing candidate Valérie Pécresse as Advisor for Europe and Foreign Affairs.

Europe and France are both at a turning point in their history. Michel Barnier, with his national and international experience, is a privileged witness of the French and European political life of the last four decades. He will share his analysis with us and answer our questions over lunch on 11 March.

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