As perhaps the leading proponent of an independent European defense capability, the French elite surpass the French public in their support for greater European independence in defense matters, though they also favor NATO membership. This Office of Research survey shows that, above all, French elites want greater control of European security.
United States. Department of State. Office of Research. French Elites Back NATO Membership, But Want European Lead in Security Matters. By Anna E. Sweeney. Washington, D.C.: April 9, 2001. (Opinion Analysis M-83-01).