User:Francobritishcouncil

Franco-British Council
Origins

In Paris in May 1971 the British Prime Minister, Edward Heath, met the French President, Georges Pompidou, for the discussions to pave the way for Britain's entry into the European Community. At this meeting they reflected on the way in which contact between the two countries could be widened beyond the existing official mechanism for the exchange of ideas and information between the two governments. They concluded that there was a need for a non-governmental body which could sponsor seminars and colloques between people of like interests in the two countries. These meetings should not be confined just to cultural or educational matters, but aim to cover all fields where the two countries shared common problems, or could benefit from a better understanding of the others position.

On 16 May 1972, during the Queen's visit to Paris, an official communiqué was issued announcing the establishment of a Comite d'lnitiative franco-britannique.

Activities

The Council organises a programme of specialised meetings on a variety of subjects under the broad headings of:

environment, energy and sustainable development economic reform in the context of European developments and globalisation social cohesion and immigration culture including the arts, heritage and new media The seminars bring together leading professionals who are encouraged to develop bilateral networks. The Council also publishes reports of the meetings, for the benefit both of the participants themselves and of policy makers in the two countries. A short story prize exists to promote France and French to a younger age group.

Purpose

The aim is to promote better understanding between Britain and France and to contribute to the development of joint action through meetings of leading representatives of the worlds of culture, science, education, politics and business in the context of a developing Europe and of an increasingly globalised community.

Origins and status

The Franco-British Council was created, on the joint initiative of President Georges Pompidou and Prime Minister Edward Heath, when Britain joined the European Community. Its setting up was formally announced in a communiqué issued in May 1972 at the end of the State visit by the Queen to France.

Funds

Basic funding is provided by the two governments, but the Council aims to supplement this, for specific projects, with contributions from other sources. In its management of funds, the Council is guided by its Trustees, by its Memorandum of Understanding and by its charitable status, and is independent of government. Support for our work is always gratefully received.

Web page: