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MEMBER COUNTRIES OF THE EU - FRANCE

France is the largest country in the EU, stretching from the North Sea to the Mediterranean. The landscape is diverse, with mountains in the east and south, including the Alpine peak of Mont Blanc (4 810 m), which is western Europe's highest point.

The most important sectors of France’s economy in 2014 were public administration, defence, education, human health and social work activities (23.2 %), wholesale and retail trade, transport, accommodation and food services (17.7 %) and industry (13.8 %).

France’s main export and import partners are Germany, Belgium and Italy.

Capital: Paris

Geographical size: 632 833.6 km²

Population: 65 856 609 (2014)

Population as % of total EU population: 13 % (2014)

GDP: € 2.132 trillion (2014)

Official EU language(s): French

Political system: semi-presidential republic

EU member country since: 1 January 1958

Seats in the European Parliament: 74

Currency: Euro. Member of the eurozone since 1 January 1999

Schengen area member? Yes, Schengen Area member since 26 March 1995.

Presidency of the Council: France has held the revolving presidency of the Council of the EU 12 times between 1959 and 2008.

Facts & figures about France in relation to other EU countries
Statistical profile of France
Government of France

France in the EU

European Parliament

There are 74 members of the European Parliament from France. Find out who these MEPsare.

European Parliament office in France

Council of the EU

In the Council of the EU, national ministers meet regularly to adopt EU laws and coordinate policies. Council meetings are regularly attended by representatives from the French government, depending on the policy area being addressed.

Presidency of the Council of the EU

The Council of the EU doesn't have a permanent, single-person president (like e.g. the Commission or Parliament). Instead, its work is led by the country holding the Council presidency, which rotates every 6 months.

During these 6 months, ministers from that country's government chair and help determine the agenda of Council meetings in each policy area, and facilitate dialogue with the other EU institutions.

Dates of French presidencies:

More on the current presidency of the Council of the EU.

European Commission

The Commissioner nominated by France to the European Commission is Pierre Moscovici, who is responsible for Economic and Financial Affairs, Taxation and Customs.

The Commission is represented in each EU country by a local office, called a "representation".

Commission representation in France

European Economic & Social Committee

France has 29 representatives on the European Economic and Social Committee . This advisory body – representing employers, workers and other interest groups – is consulted on proposed laws, to get a better idea of the possible changes to work and social situations in member countries.

Committee of the Regions

France has 24 representatives on the Committee of the Regions , the EU's assembly of regional and local representatives. This advisory body is consulted on proposed laws, to ensure these laws take account of the perspective from each region of the EU.

Permanent representation to the EU

France also communicates with the EU institutions through its permanent representation in Brussels. As France's "embassy to the EU", its main task is to ensure that the country's interests and policies are pursued as effectively as possible in the EU.

Budgets and Funding

How much does France contribute and receive?

Member countries' financial contributions to the EU budget are shared fairly, according to means. The larger your country's economy, the more it pays – and vice versa. The EU budget doesn't aim to redistribute wealth, but rather to focus on the needs of all Europeans as a whole.

Breakdown of France’s finances with the EU in 2014:

Total EU spending in France – € 13.479 billion
Total EU spending as % of French GNI – 0.62 %
Total French contribution to the EU budget – € 19.574 billion
French contribution to the EU budget as % of its GNI – 0.90 %

More figures on the EU budget, revenue and spending:

EU-funded projects in France

The money paid into the EU budget by France helps fund programmes and projects in all EU countries - like building roads, subsidising researchers and protecting the environment.