Bats was selected to represent France for the 1984 European Championship finals, which France hosted and won. He played every minute of France's five matches at that tournament. It was in the semi-finals that Bats truly shone, making a pair of superb saves in the 3–2 extra-time win over Portugal before France beat Spain 2–0 in the final to lift the Henri Delaunay Trophy and win their first major international title. By the end of that tournament, Bats was recognized as a safe, authoritative presence in goal. He would remain as the first-choice goalkeeper for France until his international retirement in 1989.