4. France’s Withdrawal from NATO’s Integrated Command (1966)
In 1966, French President Charles de Gaulle withdrew France from NATO’s integrated military command structure, seeking greater military independence and control over its nuclear deterrent. This decision led to the relocation of NATO’s political headquarters from Paris to Brussels and the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) from Rocquencourt to Casteau, Belgium. Despite this withdrawal, France remained an active member of the alliance, emphasizing its commitment to collective defense (nato.int).
