Transatlantic Trends: What the data says about France
PARIS — Although there is some consistency in French answers to the Transatlantic Trends questionnaire compared to 2006, the French distinguish themselves on two major issues.
The first one is Turkey: 49% of French respondents say that Turkey’s accession to the European Union would be a bad thing. This is the highest negative percentage of all EU countries included in the survey. In this respect, it seems President Sarkozy’s own attitude on the issue reflects very well the feelings of the public. Sarkozy had made clear during his campaign that he was not in favor of Turkey’s accession to the EU and would promote an alternative solution such as a close association/partnership. Once elected, he showed more flexibility on the issue, but still made clear that he remained personally opposed to plain accession.
The other issue where the French prove to be different than other Europeans is related to the EU’s increasing role on the international stage; 58% of the respondents say that the EU should manage international challenges independently from the United States. This is again the highest percentage among the EU countries included in the survey. One can think this is a “temporary” reaction, strongly linked to the fact that the French are strongly oppose President Bush’s foreign policy. Such an attitude could change in 2008 with the election of a new U.S. president (the French are also among the more optimistic Europeans when it comes to the 2008 U.S. election and the changes in transatlantic relations it should bring).
This second feature goes against President Sarkozy’s strong emphasize on cooperation and friendship with the U.S., but we will have to wait until next year to see is such a strong stance on his side is likely to change French attitude when it comes to transatlantic relations and the EU-U.S. partnership.