We will mark the 25^th anniversary of the signing of the tripartite agreement between France, Australia and New Zealand (known as the FRANZ arrangement) on December 22.

This arrangement was signed in 1992 to coordinate French, Australian and New Zealand assistance for Pacific island nations during natural disasters. It has emerged as a very effective tool, while the frequency and intensity of disasters are increasing as a result of climate change, the first victims of which are these states.

Thanks to the projection capabilities of the French armed forces stationed in New Caledonia and French Polynesia, France has therefore participated in more than 15 relief operations in the Pacific region over the last 25 years: in Fiji, Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Tuvalu and the Cook Islands. During the last French presidency of this arrangement (2015-2017) we were able to provide a swift and appropriate response following the passage of Cyclone Winston (Fiji) and Cyclone Donna (Vanuatu).

Within the framework of the FRANZ arrangement, the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs finances these operations through its emergency humanitarian fund.

Ukraine

Following Russia's decision to withdraw from the Joint Center for Ceasefire Control and Coordination in Donbas, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said he was in favor of allowing representatives of France and Germany to participate in it. What do think about this idea? How might this change the situation in the Donbas region? Mr. Poroshenko also said that there was a very high risk that the situation in the Donbas region could deteriorate. He has decided to expand the security forces there. What is your assessment of these proposals?

France regrets the withdrawal of the Russian representatives from the Joint Center for Ceasefire Control and Coordination in Donbas and yesterday urged Russia to reverse this decision. It would be premature to consider changing this joint mechanism, the purpose of which is to help coordinate the efforts of Russian and Ukrainian military personnel to consolidate the ceasefire and support the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine.

France and Germany are determined to continue their efforts within the Normandy framework to find a peaceful solution to the conflict.

As such, we welcome the decision of the Trilateral Contact Group to renew the ceasefire over Christmas and call on all parties to strictly comply with this decision.

Poland

What is France’s reaction to yesterday’s announcement by the Commission that it would activate Article 7 of the EU treaty against Poland?

The European Commission decided on December that it would go to the Council on the basis of Article 7 of the EU treaty. It asked the Council to note that the judicial reforms being conducted in Poland seriously risk violating the rule of law in that country.

The EU is a community of laws and shared values. All of its members are bound by the rule of law.

The compatibility of judicial reforms in Poland with EU laws and values is a subject of concern. As the President said on December 15, and as Nathalie Loiseau reiterated several times, France supports the Commission's action and efforts.

Poland is one of France's partners within the EU. That's why France – as it has always done, including in our bilateral political dialogue – calls on the Polish authorities to pursue a constructive dialogue with the Commission and all the partners, fully taking into account the recommendations it has received in this regard. The President expressed this during his joint press conference with Chancellor Angela Merkel following the European Council of December 14 and 15.