The history of France

France today is one of the most modern countries in the world and is a leader among European nations. It plays an influential global role as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, NATO, the G8, the G20, the EU, and other multilateral organizations.

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Economic integration

Since 1958, France has constructed a hybrid presidential-parliamentary government. This governing system is resistant to the instabilities in earlier more purely parliamentary administrations. In recent decades, its reconciliation and cooperation with Germany have proved central to the economic integration of Europe.

Issues with NATO

France was a founding member of NATO in 1949. In 1966, President Charles de Gaulle took French forces out of NATO because he felt there was too much power being wielded by the UK and US. This resulted in the NATO headquarters moving from Paris to Brussels. However, in 2009 France rejoined NATO’s integrated military command structure.

France and the EEC/EU

France was also a founding member of the European Economic Community (EEC) (now the European Union (EU)) in 1957. It also participated in the introduction of the euro starting in 1999 to replace the French Franc (FRF). The country is also a member of the Schengen Area, which eliminated border controls with other Schengen members; at the same time, borders with non-Schengen countries are now stronger.