The maritime world in France provides direct employment for some 317,000 people, two per cent of GNP and forward-looking companies which are at the very highest level on a global scale in some ten sectors of activity. These players ask nothing at all of the State other than it fulfil its proper role. The creation by the French Maritime Institute (IFM) of the French Maritime Cluster (CMF) is an illustration of the growth in the French maritime economy. Whilst many observers consider that France has made considerable advances on certain fronts–the Poseidon report, maritime safety, modernisation of the merchant fleet and the Barracuda programme being good examples–we nevertheless fall well short of the initiatives and investment justified by the importance of our maritime capability. All of which raises the following questions:

The French model for state intervention in maritime affairs has proved itself as the most productive in terms of cost-effectiveness. Are you prepared to recommend this model to our European partners?

Consolidation of European military shipbuilding on the lines achieved by the United States is highly desirable in order to strengthen the sector’s competitiveness in the international market and to respond more cost-effectively to European needs. Will you commit yourself to this process through state support for commonality within Europe and harmonisation of regulations affecting the arms trade and changes in state shareholdings?