THE ROLE OF FRANCE IN EUROPEAN STRATEGIC AUTONOMY: ANALYSIS OF THE NEW NATIONAL STRATEGIC REVIEW OF FRANCE 2022

The article presents an analysis of the newly introduced National Strategic Review of France on 9 November 2022 and its implications for the future Euro-Atlantic security and European Defence (L'Europe de la défense). The relevance and novelty of the research is reinforced by the fact that NATO, as well, adopted its new Strategic Concept 2022 which defined the security challenges facing the Alliance and in its own Strategic review, France is presenting its ambition on taking a central role in maintaining European strategic autonomy. The article is aimed at identifying and looking into the position of France in the wake of contemporary tense political situation in the European arena and the role it designates for itself. National Strategic Review presents the main directions of French defence for the upcoming years. The methodological basis of the work presents a set of scientific techniques and research methods, such as a method of historical research and a systematic method that allows to examine the agenda and role of France in the international arena and in the dynamics of EU-NATO relations. The conclusion focuses on the prospects of France to establish itself as a balancing power in the international arena by 2030 as it is set in the strategic review.