Globalization calls for the development of common playing rules and regulations, enabling players to confront each other on equal terms and limiting free-rider situations.

This debate is conducted first from a trade standpoint within the World Trade Organization, but the search for a level playing field is mobilizing the international community in many other areas: intellectual property rights and fight against counterfeiting and infringement, fight against corruption, promotion and protection of international investments, etc.

In addition, this awareness has become more pronounced with the financial crisis. In particular, the G20 has launched a resolute action to combat tax havens and uncooperative jurisdictions, including in the area of laundering.

This need for fairness must also be taken into consideration when the economy becomes a direct instrument of diplomatic pressure. This is why France generally favours a multilateral approach (UN or EU) to economic and financial sanctions, which also ensures that the actions taken have greater legitimacy.

^{Updated on 16.11.10}