European defense demanded by a majority of French people
An Ifop survey carried out for the Jean Jaurès Foundation in April 2026 reveals remarkable support from the French for the construction of adéfense common European. This study, conducted among a thousand people representative of the French population, establishes that 63% of citizens are in favor of the creation of a European army, attesting to a trend deeply rooted in French public opinion.
This membership flourishes in a particularly tense geopolitical environment, where the French demonstrate a complex relationship with Europe. If 68% express their attachment to Europe as a space of shared history and heritage, only 46% demonstrate adhesion to the European Union as a political institution.
Majority support despite political divisions
Examining the results according to partisan affinities reveals substantial divisions concerning European changes in security matters. Renaissance supporters display the clearest enthusiasm with 83% of opinions favorable to the European army, ahead of voters from the Socialist Party (74%) and La France insoumise (72%). In contrast, supporters of the National Rally only received 53% approval for this initiative.
The extension of the French nuclear umbrella to all countries of theEuropean Union elicits 58% favorable opinions. This proposal, particularly favored by socialist (84%) and environmentalist (71%) sympathizers, divides opinion more than the establishment of a common army.
Popular institutional developments
Beyond military considerations, the French demonstrate a certain appetite for European institutional deepening. Thus, 57% support the creation of a European Minister of Foreign Affairs, while 55% approve the establishment of a European Minister of Economy and Finance. In the same proportion, they are in favor of the election of a President of Europe by direct universal suffrage.
These results demonstrate an aspiration towards a more integrated and better orchestrated Europe, particularly in the face of contemporary security challenges. Age constitutes a determining marker: those under 35 generally embrace these institutional developments with more enthusiasm than their elders.
The challenges of European defense in the face of geostrategic realities
The construction of adéfenseThe European Union nevertheless faces considerable structural pitfalls. The dependence of many European countries on American military equipment constitutes a major obstacle to European strategic autonomy. This industrial reality constrains the prospects for the emergence of a truly European defense industry.
Divergent interests between member states represent another major challenge. While Eastern European countries prioritize the Russian threat, Mediterranean nations are more alarmed by African instabilities. This geography of priorities hinders the emergence of a unified strategic vision, as illustrated by the complexity of the issues addressed in our analysis of military artificial intelligence which is already changing global deterrence.
French opinion regarding Eurosceptic candidates
The study also reveals that 31% of French people would tolerate a candidate in the presidential election calling into question the French commitment to a common European defense. This percentage, although in the minority, underlines the persistence of Eurosceptic currents within French public opinion.
Higher socio-professional categories and higher education graduates show more pronounced support for European projects.défense. Conversely, popular categories and residents of rural communities express more reluctance.
Future prospects for European sovereignty
These data are part of a context where Europe is striving to assert its strategic autonomy. Recent geopolitical upheavals have accelerated awareness of the need for a European capacity todéfensecredible and independent, particularly in the face of the hybrid threats that weigh on European industrialists, as illustrated by the assassination plan against the boss of Rheinmetall revealed by the American services.
The evolution of French public opinion, measured since 1999, demonstrates a remarkable stability of support for the European army, oscillating between 63% and 72% depending on the period. This constancy reflects a deep conviction of the French as to the relevance of this strategic orientation.
The challenge now lies in the ability of European leaders to transform this popular support into tangible achievements. Establishing enhanced defense cooperation will require overcoming national resistance and divergent interests. France, with the support of its citizens, could take on a leading role in this construction, provided that it manages to reconcile the requirements of national sovereignty and European integration.
This study by the Jean Jaurès Foundation confirms thatdéfense European benefits from a base of favorable opinion in France. It remains to transmute this citizen aspiration into political and operational reality, in an international context which underlines the urgent need every day. The future of Europe in terms of security also depends on this ability to respond to the expectations expressed by its people, while navigating between the pitfalls of national sovereignty and the imperatives of collective action in the face of the challenges of the 21st century. »}
