France will press for a bolder European Union security strategy when it assumes the rotating presidency next year, aiming to turn the continent into a global power with a decisive role in promoting a more just and effective world order.

In his first major foreign policy speech as France's president, Nicolas Sarkozy described the EU as a model of effective multilateralism that boasted a full range of instruments to address international crises, including military force, humanitarian assistance and financial aid. "Europe must progressively affirm itself as a first-rank player for peace and security, in co-operation with the United Nations, the Atlantic alliance and the African Union," he said.