"The message from the president of the Republic is that France is firmly behind a number of decisions concerning the European PNR (Passenger Name Record), which is still not adopted," said government spokesman Stephane Le Foll following a cabinet meeting.
The PNR system, also backed by Germany, would allow governments to access information including names, bank card details and addresses of every passenger travelling by plane in the EU.
It was first proposed in 2007, but has been delayed over privacy concerns.
France will put forward its case "very strongly and clearly" at a meeting of EU interior and justice ministers today in Brussels, Le Foll said.