On the other hand, France seems to be the only EU country with the guts to tell Turkey's Erdoğan:
"No you are not the Sultan and Cyprus is not part of your Caliphate."
From ValueWalk, August 31:
France has been a major player in world and European politics for centuries. However, in recent years, the country has made moves to re-establish itself as one of the most significant powers in both Europe and around the globe.
As France continues to assert its soft power around the continent and the world at large, this article looks at how the part the country plays in European politics. It examines how the country operates within the European Union and how it contributes to the workings of Europe as a whole.....MORE
What Role Does France Play in the EU?
France is one of the founding members of the European Union (EU). It has been a member of the alliance since helping to form its precursor organization, the European Coal and Steel Community, in 1951.
French is one of the official languages of the Union and the country sits at the forefront of many European affairs. As one of the nations in the organization with the strongest militaries and a substantial economy (France has the world’s 7th highest GDP and the 2nd highest in Europe after Germany), it has a major say in the direction of the 27 country body.
This has only increased under the rule of the incumbent French president: Emmanual Macron. Macron’s presidency has been marked by his efforts to increase the profile of France in both Europe and the world as a major player in decision-making....
Okay, that's a rather lightweight overview but it gives me an excuse to post this from Reuters, August 28:
France's Macron says he set red lines with Turkey in eastern Mediterranean
