Filer à l'anglaise

When taken literally, this phrase translates as "run or make off, English style", but when employed in everyday conversation, the expression is a French way of saying "to sneak away" or "to do a runner". 

In the light of recent EU tensions, namely David Cameron's speech the day after the anniversary of the Franco-German 'Elysée Treaty', I was amused to find this expression had been chosen as a link to the top story on the French version of the Huffington Post. Already familiar with this idiom (Thanks, French Language 2 module, those vocab lists were useful after all), I was able to see the initial reaction of our Gallic neighbours.
The strong euroscepticism radiating from across the Channel has been no secret to the French, but the announcement of an "in/out referendum" should Cameron be reelected has shocked them. I, like many others, don't believe the UK is at all better off if we leave Europe, but I don't think it will come to that. It makes sense for us to be a part of the EU, and although France is no stranger to problems adjusting to the single market (in the 1960s, Charles de Gaulle was a strong critic and favoured national protection), the single currency was adopted and is now a strong influence within the union. 

I have not been here very long, but having spent a while in Spain as well, it is very interesting to learn about the EU "from the other side". I say this because, for example, when a British person, or even the British media, refers to Europe, they are talking about 'the other', it is an 'us-and-them' situation. On the contrary, when a German, Spanish or French person mentions Europe, they are also implying their own country. It may just be a slight difference in the use of language, but I believe this speaks volumes, and reveals a lot about how isolated us Brits are, not just geographically, but in our collective way of thinking.   Now that I am "in Europe", I can appreciate the frustration and confusion with which the EU speech was received. There is a strong notion of "we are all in this together", and to the other countries of the Union, leaving is simply not an option. The French Foreign Affairs minister, Laurent Fabius, put it "so the British could understand" : On ne peut pas faire l'Europe à la carte...Admettons que ce soit un club de football : on adhère à ce club, mais une fois qu'on est dedans, on ne peut pas dire : 'on joue au rugby.' (Europe isn't done 'à la carte', imagine that it's like a football club : you join the club, but once you're in, you can't say "Now let's play rugby".) I agree with the Guardian that this comment was mischievous, but it is a simple and easy way of putting it.

I am no politics student, but it seems to me that Cameron is using this promise of a referendum to appeal to UKIP voters, especially now they have become the 3rd most popular party (Over 2m views of this obviously wasn't enough then, sorry Nick.), and eurosceptics within his own party. It seems to have worked, but when/if the time comes I hope that enough information is made available to my fellow citizens so that they are able to make an informed decision. 

Britain would be much worse off out of the common market, and we can't afford to make enemies of our closest neighbours. If anything, on a selfish note; as an Erasmus student, what would happen to this program? My Year Abroad is looking to be one of the most exciting and character shaping years of my life, and even with the ease of movement between countries and my grant significantly facilitating life here, it has still been a challenge. (Have you ever tried to find and pay for accommodation in France?!) This experience is showing me the beauty of Europe; made up of different cultures, traditions and ideologies but tied together by a long history and shared goals. Britain should be proud of its involvement, and not seek a way to live up to the French expression and sneak away.