E. THE ADDITIONAL RISK OF FRANCE BEING SEEN AS IN CONTROL
France , worried that a Strategic Compass with disappointing ambitions might tarnish its presidency, must not fall into its worst slippery slope of spectacular statements and promoting concepts such as sovereignty or European strategic autonomy. If it does so, it would only upset most of its partners and undermine the process.
Furthermore, it is customary for countries with the EU presidency not to seek to weigh in beyond what its legitimate weight allows .
Nevertheless, France is still respected, and its assessments are eagerly awaited: it will therefore have to stand by its convictions, explain them and try to convince other countries.