(FILES) French president Emmanuel Macron (L) poses with European Commission Chief Negociator Michel Barnier prior to their meeting at the Elysee palace in Paris, on January 31, 2020, a few hours before Britain officially leaves the European Union. Michel Barnier was named as France's new prime minister, the Elysee palace announced on September 5, 2024, almost two months after legislative elections left the country in political deadlock. (Photo by Ludovic MARIN / AFP)