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FOREIGN POLICY
France's foreign policy is founded on several centuries of diplomatic tradition and some fundamental
principles: the right of peoples to self-determination, respect for human
rights and democratic principles, respect for the rule of law and cooperation
among nations. Within this framework France's concern is to preserve its
national independence while at the same time working to foster regional
and international solidarity. The construction of Europe From as early as 1945 European construction has been at the heart of French foreign policy. There have been several major reasons for this: the desire to restore peace and guarantee the security of the States, strengthen democratic government and build an integrated economic and monetary area able to ensure prosperity for the peoples of Europe. Given this, General de Gaulle and Presidents Pompidou, Giscard d'Estaing, Mitterrand and Chirac have striven unceasingly to make the European edifice a reality and develop it into an economic power and respected political forum. On May 1, 2004, ten new members joined the European Union. Strenghened by twenty-five countries, the European Union forms the third largest grouping on the planet, occupying 3% of its population and a quarter of global wealth. International Security In the area of security, the Cold War years and the succeeding period
of instability have placed heavy responsibilities on all the democratic
nations, including France. Party to the North Atlantic Treaty (NATO),
France also belongs to the Organization
for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the Eurocorps, in which
France has nearly 13,000 troops. Action at the UN France's foreign policy is conducted in accordance with the purposes and
principles of the United Nations, purposes and principles which in fact
comply with the ideals underlying France's republican tradition. International Cooperation France's international cooperation policy relies on the exercise of both influence and solidarity. The Directorate-General for Development and International Cooperation (DGCID) implements this policy around four main lines: France intends to sustain its effort of solidarity towards the poorest countries. The major part of the funds provided by France for development aid is devoted to bilateral assistance provided directly to the beneficiary countries by French government departments of those acting for them. In 2003, development in Africa continued to be a priority for French foreign policy. The proportion of bilateral aid going to sub-Saharan Africa thus rose from 49% in 2002 to 57% in 2003. France has 151 French cultural establishments abroad, located in 91 countries, and a network of 283 Alliances françaises. The policy for promoting the French language concerns 82 million learners in 130 countries and relies on 900 000 teachers. The Agency for French Studies Abroad (AEFE) coordinates the activities of the 268 French schools in the world. France intends both to support the internationalization of French research and to disseminate information on the scientific systems of partner countries. The Science and Technology Observatory and the 28 French research centers abroad are responsible for implementing these objectives. As regards academic cooperation, France manages 200 French-speaking degree courses throughout the world and has been stepping up relations with partners such as Germany and the United States. An increasing number of foreign students come to study each year in France ; today they total 220,000. The French audiovisual presence on the worldwide scene is increasingly strong and support for major operators in this sector, such as the French-speaking channel TV5 and Radio France International (RFI), is now a government priority. France also supports the distribution of French films and documentaries. Humanitarian action France gives humanitarian action a specific place in its foreign policy,
and also demonstrates its loyalty to the values it has inspired.
The French Foreign Ministry's Humanitaria Action Delegation implements the emergency humanitarian relief actions abroad decided by the government. The action of its various institutional partners such as the Sécurité civile (emergency services dealing with natural disasters, bomb disposal, etc), Samu mondial (mobile emergency medical service - international branch) the French Defense Ministry, Emergency NGOs, and so on. The funds earmarked for these programs totalled €9.3 million in 2004. French NGOs working abroad receive about 40% of theses funds in the form of grants. In this area France also provides support to the activities of multilateral organisations. In 2004, €49 million was paid to various UN humanitarian agencies; Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), UNICEF, World Food Program (WFP), United Nations Relief and Work Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), etc.
Finally France's contribution to programs implemented within the European
framework amounts to more than €100 million . Through ECHO (European
Community Humanitarian Office), France assists countries or peoples in
need, suffering the effects of natural disasters or political crises.
The fight against terrorism As a victim of international terrorism both at home and abroad, France has for many years shown its determination to combat terrorism in all its forms and irrespective of its source. Francophony While promoting cultural, scientific and technical exchanges, France is
also keen to increase the use of the French language. Source: "Profile of France"
printed by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs For further information
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