The European Commission is currently developing a new integrated maritime policy; the publication of a green paper on 7 June 2006 shows an increased awareness not only of the vital contribution that the sea is already making to European prosperity, but also of the potential it offers in terms of employment. This article analyses the maritime policy that has emerged in France since 2002, encouraged by the President of the Republic and his government, whose aim is to return the maritime aspects of French policy to centre stage.
French Maritime Policy
Our policy goals have three main elements that inform our actions.
Maritime France
Thanks to its overseas departments and territories, France enjoys an exclusive economic zone (EEZ—200 nautical miles from the coast) whose surface area of 11 million km2 makes it the third largest maritime domain in the world. These territories offer significant opportunities for economic development over the next 20 years and we are making major investments in the overseas departments and territories; the sea should become a source of great wealth for our nation. We have already started to exploit its natural resources, while taking great care to respect the environment; we must develop this area of activity.
Over and above the superficial aspects of our economic zone, France’s Indian Ocean possessions are tantamount to a coastal state of this ocean that offers both significant potential as well as posing strategic challenges for the future. France’s status as a coastal state throughout the oceans of the world is a fundamental aspect of its maritime stature.
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