As of this morning, France holds the EU presidency. But as the handover took place, the French president made clear he was not disposed to platitudes. He went on state television to list the EU’s good, and bad points.

“The EU was built to promote peace and that works. It is there to promote prosperity and that works. Thirdly, it is a base for democracy, and that works. But now, what are we waiting for from Europe? That it protects Europeans from the risks of globalisation. It is that which isn’t working,” Sarkozy claimed.

Sarkozy has said France will protect European citizens during its tenure, by pushing for tax breaks on numerous goods, especially petrol, as the oil price continues to soar.

European Commission officials will be in Paris later today for a presidential dinner.

Copyright © 2012 euronews