France opposes UK plan to televise EU Council meetings News
France opposes UK plan to televise EU Council meetings

[JURIST] France has signaled opposition to a proposal from British Prime Minister and current EU president Tony Blair [official profile] to allow cameras into the EU's main decision-making body, the Council of the European Union [official website], during legislative debates. Blair has said that making the decision-making process more transparent would increase support for EU initiatives. France has opposed the plan, fearing the council would be unable to operate effectively and that sensitive decisions would be made by civil servants outside the chambers. The UK retains the EU presidency [UK EU presidency website] until December 31, when the presidency will be taken over by Austria, a country that may be unlikely to continue pushing for the proposition. Monday's Financial Times has more.