Foreign relations of France

France has maintained its status as key power in Western Europe because of its size, location, strong economy, membership in European organizations, strong military posture and energetic diplomacy. France generally has worked to strengthen the global economic and political influence of the EU and its role in common Europeandefense and collective security. France supports thedevelopment of a European Security and Defence Identity (ESDI) as the foundation of efforts to enhance security in theEuropean Union. France cooperates closely with Germany andSpain in this endeavor.