On March 14, 2012, the French Senator Jean-Yves Leconte gave a conference on the theme of “Relations between Europe and the Mediterranean”, within The Faculty of Business and Commercial Sciences at The Holy Spirit University of Kaslik.

Senator Leconte firstly outlined the current situation affecting Europe through exposition of two major themes; the actual crisis of the European Union and resulting profound changes in Mediterranean regions, due to the ‘Arab Spring’. “The euro and the Schengen Area, two symbols of Europe, are challenged today. Nicolas Sarkozy has questioned the freedom of circulation and the risk that the euro will no longer be the common currency of the European Union”, Senator Leconte stated, adding that “A French President with a clear vision and a project for the country and Europe can change the face of the European Union”.

Regarding the policy of immigration in France, Senator Leconte emphasized the role of the Schengen Area as a space for hope, freedom and democracy. “When the Tunisian revolution triumphed, immigration, which is a personal matter, turned into an affair of the State”, he explained.

Further stressing the need to provide a European perspective regarding Turkey, he stated, “In order to make the Euro-Mediterranean project succeed, integration should be properly managed, not by fear, but by promoting the acceptance and the dialogue of cultures”. Senator Leconte also highlighted the challenges that will face the young people affected by the ‘Arab Spring’, particularly regarding the establishment of political parties that could take over to prevent the uprising of extremist parties and mobilize civil society. He indicated that Europe should help such young people, with regard to these issues.