55
(LaPresse) Family photo of the EU leaders before the second day of the European Council to celebrate 30 years of the European Economic Area. The European Economic Area was inaugurated on 1 January 1994 following an agreement between the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and the then European Community (now the European Union) with the aim of allowing EFTA countries to participate in the European market common without having to be members of the Union. After the usual photos, French President Emmanuel Macron turned and greeted Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The two exchanged two kisses on the cheeks. A “relaxing” gesture after the clashes of recent months.