France has firmly dismissed what it calls “little remarks” made by an EU commissioner regarding the recent riots triggered by the police killing of a teenager during a traffic stop. The French government argues that the European Union has no authority to interfere in matters concerning law enforcement.
EU Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders, in a statement on Wednesday, highlighted the “very high level of violence” witnessed in France in recent years, including the yellow vest protests, demonstrations against pension reform, and the riots following the teenager’s killing by a police officer. Reynders drew a comparison between the French police’s approach and that of neighbouring Belgium, suggesting that Belgium relies more on preventive measures rather than direct confrontation.
Reynders expressed the need to examine the situation closely, stating, “That really needs to be looked at.” However, France’s Minister in charge of European Affairs, Laurence Boone, firmly rebuffed the commissioner’s remarks, stating that he had overstepped his boundaries.
Boone emphasised that maintaining public order falls outside the European Union’s prerogatives. In an interview with French radio, she expressed surprise at Reynders’ comments and argued that “dramatic” events like the one involving the police shooting of Nahel M. on June 27 were not unique to France. Rather than making “little remarks,” she called for efforts to restore calm.
Furthermore, Boone pointed out that an EU report on the rule of law, presented by Reynders on Wednesday, acknowledged the progress made in France, particularly the increase in staff numbers within the judiciary following Paris’s decision. She clarified that law enforcement and fundamental rights do not fall within the scope of the report.
The French government’s response underscores its commitment to maintaining sovereignty over law enforcement matters and its reluctance to accept interference from external entities such as the European Union. France believes that addressing domestic issues related to public order and security is solely within its purview and rejects any attempts to suggest otherwise.
