Why we need French lessons to help shape the European debate

Former US Secretary of State Madeline Albright is attributed with saying: “To understand Europe, you have to be a genius - or French”. France, it seems, is strikingly adept at getting the most for itself out of EU regulation (see Syed Kamall comment, below). The secret to their ‘genius’? Turning up, apparently. France should be applauded for its foresight. Of course turning up is not really the secret. Knowing that it is important to turn up is. In case anyone is in any doubt, the creation of European financial services legislation is an important event for the UK. Take the catchily-t...