They were able to debate with a number of high-level personalities involved in these international issues: Emmanuel PUISAIS-JAUVINSecretary General for European Affairs, Jean-Vincent HOLLEINDREfrom the Thucydides Centre (Panthéon - Assas), Brigadier General (2s) Frédéric PESME and H.E. the Ambassador of France Alain LEROY. The auditors were thus able to gauge the complexity of these international issues and gain a better understanding of France's position in this environment.
After a day of theory on international issues, the heavy weather brought on by the gust of strikes did not stop the sailors in the 'Maritime Issues and Strategies' major from setting sail for Hauts-de-France, where their pilot, Captain (Navy) Jean-Louis MARCOURELwho commands the Navy there. He and his crew guided listeners through the harbours of the Opal Coast on Friday 10 and Saturday 11 March.
The auditors stopped off at Dunkirk, Calais and Boulogne-sur-Mer to study the major strategic issues for France linked to ports and the exploitation of seafood products. The sheer number of players rubbing shoulders and sometimes clashing in the particularly tight maritime spaces of the English Channel and North Sea are creating difficulties in terms of security and planning their activities, which are all the more crucial now that the issues surrounding illegal immigration and Brexit are heightening concerns and tensions. As key elements in the economy's bloodstream, French ports are at the heart of France's resilience and sovereignty.   Â
Maurice GEORGESChairman of the Management Board of the Grand Port Maritime de Dunkerque (GPMD), kicked off the day early by outlining his strategy for tackling the major challenges facing the GPMD in the face of strong international competition. This strategy is based on the complementarity between the two pillars of its activity, with maritime transport feeding into industrial activities conceived as part of a circular economy approach.
The ship's captain Jean-Louis MARCOUREL then presented the major defence and security challenges facing the English Channel and the North Sea, particularly small and busy maritime areas located close to the United Kingdom, a highly coveted destination for many illegal immigrants.
Guided tour of the GPMD by Dominique LAMMINThe presentation by the Chairman of the Board of GPMD, who is responsible for public relations, was well illustrated. The audience was able to see the concrete expression of the strategy implemented by the GPMD to seize the opportunities of the blue economy and face up to the competition from foreign ports with determination, based on remarkable foresight and an exceptional land asset. Â
After a lunch hosted by the GPMD, during which the auditors were able to exchange views with all the members of the GPMD's Supervisory Board, they headed for Calais, where they were welcomed to the port's brand new facilities by the sub-prefect. Véronique DEPREZ-BOUDIERaccompanied byHervé DERACHEthe Area Director of the Border Police (FP), the Police Commander David BETHEGNIES in charge of border services and Benoit ROCHETManaging Director of the Port of Boulogne-Calais. Â
The round table that followed on security issues in the port of Calais gave listeners an idea of the scale of the challenges posed by illegal immigration. They discovered the extent to which this human tragedy, which affects a population in extremely precarious circumstances who are prepared to risk their lives to cross the Channel, does not spare the agents of the State. The professionalism, dedication and humanity with which they deal with this situation is truly admirable. Â Â
The port tour led by Benoît ROCHER was a perfect illustration of the exemplary way in which security, customs and health formalities were handled while maintaining the free flow of people and goods that is vital to maintaining economic activity.
On Saturday, all hell broke loose at 3am! Listeners were expected at the Boulogne fish market by Gildas DUBOISHead of the Tides Department and Director of the fish auction in France's largest fishing port in terms of volume.
After admiring the freshly caught fish during the night, listeners were treated to a very modern, fully computerised auction, where technology has silenced the picturesque frenzy of yesteryear.
Afterwards, buoyed by the traditional Boulonnais breakfast and its tasting of the morning's catch, the audience was carried along by Gildas DUBOIS through the Capécure, the traditional name for the port of Boulogne. This visit to Europe's leading seafood processing centre - some 300,000 tonnes a year - which brings together 140 companies, definitively convinced them of the strategic importance of the fishing industry for France.
The second part of the morning took place in the beautiful premises of the Communauté d'agglomération du Boulonnais (CAB), made available to the audience by its chairman, Frédéric CUVILLIER. A fascinating round table discussion on the major challenges facing the fishing industry brought together Thierry MISSONIERdirector of From nord, Gildas DUBOIS with Yvan GUITONDeputy Director for Maritime and Coastal Affairs. The auditors were given all the information they needed to explain the importance of the fisheries sector in the Brexit negotiations between Europe and Great Britain. Â
To round off this long and eventful morning, Jean-Michel THILLIERIn a video conference, the inter-regional director of customs for Hauts-de-France and national Brexit coordinator for French customs presented the major challenges of Brexit and the "smart border" invented and successfully implemented by French customs. This "smart border" has enabled France to be resilient and maintain the flow of goods and passengers while dealing with the customs and health formalities imposed by the Brexit.
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To conclude the seminar, the auditors spent the afternoon presenting their committee work to their peers and, above all, to Lieutenant General Lt. Benoît DURIEUXDirector of the IHEDN and of Higher Education, and Guillaume LASCONJARIASHead of the Studies and Research Department at IHEDN, who joined them for the occasion.
There's no doubt that after two particularly busy days with little time for sleep, listeners will need a good night's recuperation, often started on the journey back to their homes, to ensure they're ready for their next week's work.Â
