This scholarly work examines how key actors within French politics and society have related to the challenges and opportunities posed by the European Union, and how these relations have driven or hindered change in France.
The collection invites the reader to explore below the surface image of a France troubled by its relations with the EU in the post-Cold war era, and see the dynamics of change in empirical detail. Each chapter offers insights into specific aspects of the France-EU relationship, including:
- The characteristics of Euroscepticism "a la francaise" amongst the electorate and political parties.
- The dynamics of change in the political, media and legal establishments in their dealings with the EU.
- The priorities for labour, business and la vie associative in their relations with French decision-makers regarding the EU.

2017 marked the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Rome and the starting point for today's European Union. Since then, the project has indisputably come a very long way and has undergone major changes in direction. However, one constant throughout has been the central role played by France. This important milestone is used to take stock of the relationship between France and Europe. The enclosed chapters cover a broad range of issues relating to the past, present and future, investigating Franco-European relations via the optic of a wide range of debates. These include: the issue of Europe in French presidential elections the impact of the European question on the development of the two major political forces (of left and right) in France, and its role in their internal tensions; Europe as a key consideration in French macro-economic policy France's Algerian question and missed opportunities to extend 'Europe' to its North African neighbour; Charles de Gaulle's role in defining the EU's structures for transnational democratic politics. Sixty years on: France and Europe from the Treaty of Rome to the 2017 elections assess how and why Europe matters in our understanding of contemporary France, and contributes to the important and ongoing research agendas for the study of France and the European Union. The chapters were originally published in a special issue of Modern & Contemporary France.

Jacques Delors became a household name during his decade as President of the European Commission. His conversion of the Commission presidency into a highly public and political role took many Euro-watchers by surprise. He acquired the image of a strong leader overstepping the boundaries of his formal authority, and his fame and notoriety quickly surpassed that of his predecessors. This study explores the combination of personal, political and other factors which lay behind the "Delors phenomenon" and assesses Delors' legacy for political leadership and institutional reform in the European Union. It addresses questions including the role of individual leaders in contemporary politics and the contested legitimacy of the EU as a political system. Drake traces the development of Delors' thinking and expertise on European integration, and draws on his public life after the European Commission for additional perspectives on his Commission presidency. Drawing on exclusive interviews with Delors, this comprehensive, accessibly written study of his life and Commission presidency should be a useful resource for students of all levels in European and French politics, as well as the general re

Jacques Delors became a household name during his decade as President of the European Commission. His conversion of the Commission presidency into a highly public and political role took many Euro-watchers by surprise. He acquired the image of a strong leader overstepping the boundaries of his formal authority, and his fame and notoriety quickly surpassed that of his predecessors. This study explores the combination of personal, political and other factors which lay behind the "Delors phenomenon" and assesses Delors' legacy for political leadership and institutional reform in the European Union. It addresses questions including the role of individual leaders in contemporary politics and the contested legitimacy of the EU as a political system. Drake traces the development of Delors' thinking and expertise on European integration, and draws on his public life after the European Commission for additional perspectives on his Commission presidency. Drawing on exclusive interviews with Delors, this comprehensive, accessibly written study of his life and Commission presidency should be a useful resource for students of all levels in European and French politics, as well as the general re

2017 marked the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Rome and the starting point for today's European Union. Since then, the project has indisputably come a very long way and has undergone major changes in direction. However, one constant throughout has been the central role played by France. This important milestone is used to take stock of the relationship between France and Europe. The enclosed chapters cover a broad range of issues relating to the past, present and future, investigating Franco-European relations via the optic of a wide range of debates. These include: the issue of Europe in French presidential elections the impact of the European question on the development of the two major political forces (of left and right) in France, and its role in their internal tensions; Europe as a key consideration in French macro-economic policy France's Algerian question and missed opportunities to extend 'Europe' to its North African neighbour; Charles de Gaulle's role in defining the EU's structures for transnational democratic politics. Sixty years on: France and Europe from the Treaty of Rome to the 2017 elections assess how and why Europe matters in our understanding of contemporary France, and contributes to the important and ongoing research agendas for the study of France and the European Union. The chapters were originally published in a special issue of Modern & Contemporary France.

This new version of a leading textbook on French politics offers expert analysis of recent national and international events, discussing their significance for France itself as well as for Europe and the wider world. It covers a wide range of current challenges facing the country under the presidency of Emmanuel Macron and considers how issues such as immigration, multiculturalism and gender and sexual politics fit with wider patterns in global politics. New to this Edition: - New co-editor Helen Drake joins the book's experienced team of editors. - Completely revised to take stock of the presidency of Francois Hollande, the first half of Emmanuel Macron's mandate, and to look forward to the future of France and its significance to European and global politics. - Covers a range of new topics including the National Rally (formerly the National Front), immigration, multiculturalism and gender and sexual politics.

Few countries can claim a political heritage as rich, varied and influential as France - the birthplace of modern politics. Ideas about France are often based on popular stereotypes, yet the reality of French national identity is both diverse and changeable. In this authoritative yet accessible new text, Helen Drake provides a compelling introduction to the politics, society, economy and culture of France. She examines how well equipped the country is to meet the challenges which face it at the start of the twenty-first century. A central theme of the book is whether France has come to terms with its tumultuous past - its wars, civil strife, and rapid modernization following the devastation of World War II. Contemporary France examines key aspects of French political culture and looks at how the core republican principles of liberty, equality and fraternity are being interpreted and implemented today. France's relationship with the EU and its place in the wider world are also explored.

This new version of a leading textbook on French politics offers expert analysis of recent national and international events, discussing their significance for France itself as well as for Europe and the wider world. It covers a wide range of current challenges facing the country under the presidency of Emmanuel Macron and considers how issues such as immigration, multiculturalism and gender and sexual politics fit with wider patterns in global politics. New to this Edition: - New co-editor Helen Drake joins the book's experienced team of editors. - Completely revised to take stock of the presidency of Francois Hollande, the first half of Emmanuel Macron's mandate, and to look forward to the future of France and its significance to European and global politics. - Covers a range of new topics including the National Rally (formerly the National Front), immigration, multiculturalism and gender and sexual politics.