France in the world

It has to be admitted, it is hard for a medium-sized power alone to exercise any real influence on an increasingly complex international community.

To act within the framework of the European Union has become an absolute principle of foreign policy for France in matters of peacekeeping, respect for international law and multilateral cooperation. The French presidency of the EU in the second half of 2008 is due to lay the bases for a new European diplomacy displaying greater solidarity and independence.

At the same time, France asserts itself with its own initiatives. The country provides technical and financial support for partnership development projects in the highly indebted countries of sub-Saharan Africa.

Cultural exchanges and scientific and university cooperation are encouraged and some 220,000 foreign students enjoy excellent conditions and guidance during their time in France. The country’s forms of cultural action abroad have been modernised-the establishment of the Culturesfrance association and the France 24 television channel are recent examples of a cultural policy that has long been an integral part of French foreign policy.

Source : France 2008, La Documentation française