France and European Strategic Autonomy: Between Regional Leadership and NATO Commitments

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.