Led by NDC Dean Dr Stephen Mariano, Senior Course 134 visited Paris on 22nd March as part of the European Perspectives Field Study. The delegation was warmly welcomed at Balard, the General Staff Headquarters of the French Armed Forces, by Vice Admiral Hervé Denys de Bonnaventure, Deputy Director General for International Relations and Strategy. Referring to France´s 2017 Strategic Review, he stated his country’s firm belief that NATO is key to meeting the challenges together, and that unity remains a cornerstone. A strong European pillar is needed, albeit without duplication.
Mr Gilbert Roger, Senator for Seine-Saint-Denis and Vice President of the Senate’s Com-mission for Foreign Affairs, Defence and the Armed Forces, who is also a member of the French delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, briefed on ‘The NATO Parliamentary Assembly – NATO and the EU’. Acknowledging the need for informed debate, he emphasized that defence and security require a united standpoint and continuum from the political and military elites on issues such as: ’What is the use of NATO?’ and ’Who pays for what?’ He characterized the 2% Defence Investment Pledge as a ‘real issue’. At the same time, Europeans must address the long-term, emerging threats which go beyond defence, from the Southern borders. The speaker also underlined the need to ensure good future political, diplomatic and military cooperation between the UK and the EU; the reverse will only benefit a resurgent Russia and China. With regard to the European defence dimension, he explained that this can be achieved at multiple speeds, and not necessarily with all member states following exactly the same path.
Mr Florian Escudié, Deputy Director for Strategic Affairs and Cyber Security in the Directorate of Strategic Affairs, Security and Disarmament of the General Directorate for Political Affairs in the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, briefed on ‘French Foreign Policy, its place and role in international organizations’. To re-establish global governance, France is reaching out to non-state actors, civil society, the media, industry and others. The speaker pointed out that France’s commitment to an ever-adapting NATO is fully compatible with the preservation of the country's decision-making autonomy and freedom of action. Since France’s defence and national security strategy cannot be conceived of outside the framework of French engagement in the European Union and NATO, the speaker emphasized the fundamental ‘Atlantic Link’. To emphasize solidarity in NATO, Europeans must increase their defence budgets; France aims for 2 % of GDP defence spending by 2025. With regard to the EU, a European Defence dimension will not duplicate NATO; rather, cooperation within the European Intervention Initiative (EI2) will reinforce the Alliance.
Captain (Navy) Geoffroy Roussel, an Ancien from Senior Course 121, Head of the NATO Office of the Multilateral Action Subdirectorate of the Europe, North America and Multilateral Action Service of the Directorate General for International Relations and Strategy, briefed on ‘NATO’s situation from the French point of view’. He gave a historical perspective and then discussed the strategic tenets of French defence policy: France is a European power with global responsibilities; nuclear deterrence remains the cornerstone; the armed forces are able to respond to all types of threats and conflicts, at very short notice, and France maintains a centralized decision-making system to execute the five strategic functions: deterrence; protection; knowledge and anticipation; intervention where needed; and prevention. A credible, modern, efficient and united NATO, with France as a demanding but reliable member, must have an appropriate mix of nuclear and conventional, interoperable forces and ballistic missile defence, based on burden-sharing among all members.
Colonel Pinczon du Sel, an Ancien from SC 122, Head of the NATO Office of the Joint Staff’s Military International relations Branch, Euroatlantic Division, briefed on ‘Major French Operations’. He briefly explained the military strategic decision-making process, the defence structure and the specific roles and structures of the Centre de Planification et Conduites des Operations (CPCO) of the État-Major des Armées. Subsequently, he illustrated the different operations France is leading or participating in around the world, as well as homeland operations. He drew a clear picture of the French presence in Africa and the Middle East, but also referred to the geographical spread of maritime operations – off the coast of Africa, in the Mediterranean, in the Black Sea and in the Baltic Sea.
The entire session was moderated by Navy Captain Paul Gelly, French SNR at the College.
The NATO Defense College greatly appreciated the warm welcome. The briefings, providing a good understanding of France’s strategic priorities and their rationale, offered insights into why France is globally involved, particularly in Africa, and how France at the same time stays committed to NATO and the EU.
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