French president Francois Hollande has told David Cameron that Paris does not regard renegotiation of European Union treaties as a “priority”.
In talks at RAF Brize Norton, the prime minister made clear that he believes changes to the fundamental EU treaties are necessary as part of the process leading to the in/out referendum on British membership he has promised by the end of 2017.
Differences over Europe overshadowed a UK-France summit which saw agreements to extend defence co-operation, including a £120million joint feasibility study for a new armed drone and additional British logistical support for France’s military mission in the Central African Republic.
Mr Hollande was also confronted with questions from the British press about his reported affair with actress Julie Gayet, but refused point-blank to discuss his private life.
Mr Hollande was asked: “Do you think your private life has made France an international joke, are you still having an affair with Julie Gayet and do you wish she was here?”
The president replied with the terse comment: “I decline to answer.”
Mr Hollande ended a seven-year relationship with former first lady Valerie Trierweiler after a media report – which he has not denied – that he was having an affair with Ms Gayet.
He was more expansive on the issue of European reform, insisting there was no urgent need for treaty change.
“France would like the UK to remain within the EU,” said Mr Hollande.
“France would like to have a more efficient Europe which can attain the objectives which we consider to be essential – growth, employment, energy and the capacity to bring in the techniques for tomorrow and to protect our population.
“France would like the eurozone to be better co-ordinated, better integrated and, if there are going to be amendments to the text, we don’t feel that for the time being they are urgent. Revising the treaty is not a priority.”
But Mr Cameron said that there had been two changes to treaties since he took office in 2010 and insisted: “Just as the eurozone needs change, so Britain wants change in Europe – that renegotiation will involve elements of treaty change and then there will be a referendum in Britain before the end of 2017 that is an in/out referendum.”
The prime minister said: “If Britain and France do more together, our defence budgets will go further.
“We will invest £120million together in the feasibility phase of an unmanned combat air vehicle.”
Referring to the French actions in Mali, Mr Cameron said: “I have offered logistical flights to support these missions.”