France changes its approach to international partnerships: Ukraine takes priority
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Emmanuel Macron, Presidents of Ukraine and France (Photo: Getty Images)
France has officially designated support for Ukraine as a priority in its international partnerships. These strategic guidelines were approved by the Presidential Council, according to the press service of the French President.
The Elysee Palace has published the outcomes of the Presidential Council's decisions on international partnerships.
"The geopolitical context, marked by the return of war at our borders and the escalation of international relations, underscores the importance of strong international partnerships that align with our values and interests and contribute to the stability of this world," the presidential office statement reads.
The office of the French leader noted that while key partners are stepping back, France, together with its European allies, will continue to have a strong voice on the international stage.
"Our agenda is the sovereignty of our country and our partners," the statement from the office of President Emmanuel Macron emphasized.
The Presidential Council on International Partnerships explains that the country's international partnership is based on the following policies:
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solidarity, particularly in the face of crises,
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investment in the face of the main challenges facing our planet,
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alliances, combining France's diplomatic and economic interests with those of its partners.
It is also noted that the review of this policy was initiated by the Presidential Council for Development in May 2023. However, two years later, in light of the new geopolitical situation, the office aims to steadily implement this paradigm shift.
"He establishes the following strategic guidelines, which have been subject to consultations with civil society and business, and will be implemented by June by the competent interministerial committee under the leadership of the Prime Minister, with the goal of applying them by all operators, tools, and bodies that include France," the statement reads.
It is noted that in the context of the unprecedented increase in crises and the withdrawal of key partners, France expresses its solidarity with the most vulnerable countries and populations, effectively focusing its efforts where the needs are most important and urgent to contribute to global stability.
The statement adds that France, paying special attention to countries affected by crises and conflicts, will report annually on its actions, including in countries experiencing crisis and conflict, through its humanitarian assistance, recovery efforts, and support for macro-financial stabilization.
"Due to the immense support it requires and the direct threat looming over Europe, France reaffirms that Ukraine is considered a priority," Macron's office stated.
It is also noted that the priority objectives, which form the foundation for the actions and influence of France's international partnership, must be implemented through all our tools.
France's assistance to Ukraine
Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion, official Paris has provided significant assistance and support to Ukraine, including political, financial, and defense aid.
Recently, French President Emmanuel Macron announced the delivery of Mirage 2000 fighter jets to Ukraine.
On March 26, during a press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President Macron stated that Paris was allocating a new military aid package for Ukraine worth 2 billion euros.
Macron was one of the initiators of the idea of sending Western troops to Ukraine to support peace after the war with Russia ends. Together with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, he is building a coalition of the willing among other nations ready to participate in this effort.
