France

The United States’ oldest ally, France is a key strategic partner for Washington, not only in cooperating on transatlantic political and security issues but also in pursuing shared interests across the globe. France is pursuing economic reforms under President Emmanuel Macron, even as it faces social and political disruptions; meanwhile, recent elections point to the rise of the nationalist right wing. France remains a country to watch for the future of the European project as continues to play a leading role in the European Union and beyond.

FEATURED COMMENTARY & ANALYSIS

Brynen Joins the Loop to Discuss the Nice Attacks

Dispatches
Mar 4, 2026

What Macron’s changes to French nuclear policy mean for European security

By
Jonathan Rosenstein and Emily Cheesman

The president’s plan, announced on March 2, expands France’s nuclear arsenal and deepens its cooperation on deterrence with European allies.

France
Nuclear Deterrence

Brynen Joins the Loop to Discuss the Nice Attacks

Report
Nov 10, 2025

France’s policy on China: Strategic autonomy and less naïveté

By
Zoltán Fehér

Over the last decade, France’s long-standing engagement with China has transformed into a more nuanced and cautious dynamic, reflecting a growing emphasis on balancing. This shift is guided by France’s pursuit of strategic autonomy, its effort to “de-risk” economic and security ties, and the broader geopolitical realities unfolding in the Indo-Pacific.

China
Economy & Business

Brynen Joins the Loop to Discuss the Nice Attacks

New Atlanticist
Jul 16, 2025

Reading between the lines of the new France-UK nuclear entente

By
Léonie Allard

French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Kier Starmer released a “truly historic” declaration on nuclear planning on July 10.

France
Nuclear Deterrence

Program

The Europe Center promotes the transatlantic leadership and strategies required to ensure a strong Europe.

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Content

In the News

Jul 15, 2016

Brynen Joins the Loop to Discuss the Nice Attacks

By Rex Brynen

Watch the full interview here.

France

Bremain vs Brexit

Jul 15, 2016

Slavin Joins Voice of America to Discuss Theresa May, South China Sea, Dallas Police Shootings, and Nice Attacks

By Barbara Slavin

Listen to the full discussion here.

France United Kingdom

In the News

Jul 15, 2016

Brynen Joins Roundhouse Radio to Discuss Terrorism in Nice

By Rex Brynen

Listen to the full interview here.

France

EconoGraphics

Jul 12, 2016

Taking Stock of European Banks: Improvements Amid Challenges

By Nathaniel Rome

Since the British referendum, Europe’s banking sector has come under renewed scrutiny from financial markets as well as European Union officials and finance ministers. A primary focus is on Italy - which has accumulated $400 billion in gross bad loans - and the EU-Italy talks about how to recapitalize the weak Italian banks.

Economy & Business European Union

New Atlanticist

Jul 1, 2016

US Isolationism Has Few Takers Abroad

By Meghan Rowley

Pew survey finds isolationist policies would be ‘unpopular’ Amid global trends of isolationism and proposals from Donald Trump for US disengagement, an international survey conducted by Pew Research Center suggests that isolationist policies would be “unpopular” if enacted by the next US administration.

Elections Europe & Eurasia

Bremain vs Brexit

Jun 24, 2016

EU’s Salvation a Priority

By Anders Åslund

David Cameron will go down as one of the most foolish prime ministers in British history. By placating populist sentiment and agreeing to hold a referendum on the United Kingdom’s membership in the European Union to manage tensions in his own Conservative Party, he has taken his country out of relevant international politics, forced himself […]

Europe & Eurasia European Union

New Atlanticist

Jun 24, 2016

Brexit: Losers and Winners

By Ben Nimmo

The United Kingdom will emerge as the biggest loser from its voters’ decision to exit the European Union.  The United States loses a useful ally in its dealings with the European bloc, but it has others. France and Russia benefit, while Germany under Chancellor Angela Merkel will look increasingly vulnerable. Italy, Poland, and Spain have […]

Europe & Eurasia European Union
burwell_tile.jpg

Bremain vs Brexit

Jun 24, 2016

EU ‘Must be More Transparent’

By Ashish Kumar Sen

We asked our experts to tell us what the EU needs to do differently in light of the referendum. This is what they had to say: Fran Burwell is vice president, European Union and Special Initiatives, at the Atlantic Council. There are two things that the EU needs to do to change. First, it needs […]

Europe & Eurasia European Union

Bremain vs Brexit

Jun 24, 2016

Europe’s Soul-Searching Moment

By Ana Palacio

There is an old rule in lawyering, never ask a question if you are not certain of the answer. Three years ago, in a selfish gambit to solidify his personal mandate for a second term as prime minister, David Cameron did just that. His reward: thirteen extra months in 10 Downing Street entirely consumed by […]

Europe & Eurasia European Union

Bremain vs Brexit

Jun 24, 2016

Brexit a Boon for Europe’s Far-Right Populists

By Alina Polyakova

The United Kingdom’s vote to leave the European Union will provide a massive boost to the isolationist, anti-immigrant, and eurosceptic policies of Europe’s far-right political parties.

European Union France
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Experts

Fellow

Jérémie Gallon

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Europe Center

Economy & Business English

Fellow

Marie Jourdain

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Europe Center

Africa English

Fellow

Erwan Lagadec

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security Transatlantic Security Initiative

English Europe & Eurasia

Fellow

Jeffrey Lightfoot

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security Transatlantic Security Initiative

English Europe & Eurasia

Fellow

Leo Michel

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security Transatlantic Security Initiative

Europe & Eurasia European Union

Staff

Emma Nix

Assistant Director

Europe Center

Central Europe Eastern Europe
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