Publication

This bulletin examines France's defense policy and budget as well as its view of the EU's Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP). The author first reviews France's military and counter-intelligence activities in the Middle East and the Sahel, as well as how Paris perceives them to be a contribution to EU security. He then discusses how a primary objective of France is to maintain its strategic autonomy in military and security affairs as well as budgetary changes the country has made since 2013 so it can continue its operations abroad. Finally, the author discusses what measures France is pushing for in the EU to reform and enhance the CSDP as well as what this could mean for Poland.