French diplomacy has been working tirelessly, constantly shuttling between flashpoints, striving to help realise a series of ambitious goals, from seeking lasting peace in the Gaza Strip to ending the conflict in Ukraine to ensuring security for Europe and enhancing the competitiveness of the European Union (EU).
Resolving the conflict in Ukraine is a pressing security issue for Europe. Therefore, Paris has not missed the opportunity to participate more deeply in the peace process for this more than three-year-old conflict.
In a context where the US continuously makes breakthrough moves for peace in Ukraine, France certainly cannot lag.
Recently, French President Emmanuel Macron announced he would chair a summit for Ukraine on March 27 to discuss measures to support Kyiv. This event follows a series of meetings between Macron, and European and NATO leaders on ensuring security for Ukraine and the entire region.
Besides the Ukraine issue, France has also shown interest in developments in the Middle East. President Macron just announced that France and Saudi Arabia will co-chair a conference on a two-state solution for the Israel-Palestine conflict.
This is an event attracting the international community, as since the outbreak of the Gaza conflict, many countries have shown strong support for the two-state solution, establishing an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel. In this context, organising a conference on this issue is an opportunity for France to raise its voice in the Middle East peace process.
France strives to affirm its irreplaceable position as a locomotive within the EU. In a context where the EU faces numerous security and economic challenges, the current moment can be considered opportune for Paris to fulfil its role as captain, especially when Germany is still busy negotiating to form a new government after parliamentary elections.
As the US under President Donald Trump has virtually reversed its friendly policy towards Europe and appears increasingly indifferent to ensuring security for allies across the Atlantic, France has made a series of moves to turn the situation around, steering Europe towards greater autonomy.
President Macron is the first EU leader to visit Washington after Trump took office for his second term as US President. Macron is also the one who proposed extending France's "nuclear umbrella" to protect the whole of Europe. These moves not only demonstrate Paris's commitment to ensuring security for Europe but also open up opportunities for France to gradually realise its ambition of building the EU’s strategic autonomy, standing firmly on its own feet.
France's effort to expand its influence comes when Paris's role on the international stage is declining. Once having an important voice in Africa, France's position on this continent seems to be something of the far past. With the termination of long-term military cooperation agreements by countries such as Chad, Mali, Senegal and Burkina Faso, the French army has been forced to withdraw from countries long considered its backyard.
Analysts believe France's falling influence in Africa has left a significant gap in its position on the international stage. Paris is trying to compensate by consolidating its standing in Europe and the Middle East.
Furthermore, regaining France's influence on the international stage is also a way for President Macron to win the voters’ support. Domestically, France has been facing political instability, weaker-than-expected economic growth, and the rise of right-wing extremism. However, Macron's diplomatic efforts have received public support. According to a recent Ipsos opinion poll, President Macron's approval rating increased from 22% in February to 27% in March 2025.
In the context of multiple ongoing conflicts and increasing confrontational trends, analysts expect that France's diplomatic efforts will not only help strengthen Paris's position but also contribute to peace and stability in the world.
