The National Assembly backs France 's plan to rejoin NATO . President Nicolas Sarkozy 's plan is politically sensitive . For the next 43 years , even though France selectively participated in NATO military operations , de Gaulle 's principle remained the governing cornerstone of French foreign policy . France was a founding member of NATO but left in 1965 . President Charles de France said in 1966 membership meant losing France .
The National Assembly backs France 's plan to rejoin NATO . President Nicolas Sarkozy 's plan is politically sensitive . France was a founding member of NATO but left in 1965 . President Charles de France said in 1966 membership meant losing France .