Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Daniel-Aurel Bucur
Author-Email: daniel.bucur@ubbcluj.ro
Author-Workplace-Name: Babeș-Bolyai University
Title: France and European Strategic Autonomy: Between Regional Leadership and NATO Commitments
Abstract: Amid escalating geopolitical tensions, France plays a pivotal role in shaping
European security through its commitment to strategic autonomy while maintaining its
NATO obligations. As one of Europe’s most influential military powers, France has
positioned itself as a regional leader, balancing its transatlantic commitments with its
vision for a more sovereign European defence. France, a NATO founding member, has
historically oscillated between transatlantic cooperation and the pursuit of an
independent defence strategy. A defining moment in this regard was France's withdrawal
from NATO's integrated command in 1966, under General de Gaulle, reflecting its ambition
to maintain full sovereignty over its military decisions. This strategic posture, known as
the Gaullo-Mitterrandism doctrine, continues to shape France’s dual approach today. After
decades of pragmatic cooperation, France officially rejoined NATO’s integrated military
structure in 2009 under President Nicolas Sarkozy, aiming to strengthen its influence
within the alliance while continuing to advocate for a more self-reliant European defence.
The concept of European strategic autonomy, widely promoted by France,
envisions a security framework that enables the European Union to act independently in
matters of defence, economy, and technology. Initiatives such as PESCO, European Defence
Fund and the Strategic Compass have been implemented to enhance Europe's military
capabilities. Nevertheless, significant challenges persist: NATO remains the central pillar
of security for many European Union member states, and the United States has expressed
concerns about potential divergences in transatlantic defence cooperation.
Drawing on the 2022 National Strategic Review and key historical analyses, this
paper examines France's dual approach—its deep-rooted commitment to NATO alongside
its ambition for greater European defence autonomy. The findings highlight the inherent
paradox in its strategy: while advocating for European sovereignty, France remains a key
pillar of NATO’s security architecture. Furthermore, the study evaluates whether France
can effectively achieve its vision of a more independent European defence structure or if
geopolitical realities – such as diverging strategic cultures within the European Union and
controversies surrounding recent French declarations-will necessitate continued reliance
on NATO. Finally, the paper assesses the long-term implications of this strategy for
European security and transatlantic relations by 2030.
Classification-JEL: F51, F52, H56
Keywords: France, Gaullo-Mitterrandist doctrine, European strategic autonomy, EU-NATO relations, Defence policy
Journal: Intelligence și cultura de securitate
Pages: 91-118
Volume: 4
Issue: 1
Year: 2025
File-URL: https://www.animv.ro/RePEc/mvn/incsec/ICS_1_2025_4_91-118.pdf
File-Format: Application/pdf
Handle: RePEc:mvn:incsec:v:4:y:2025:i:1:p:91-118