French President Emmanuel Macron has warned that Europe is entering a “new era” of security threats, citing the ongoing war in Ukraine, the evolving stance of the United States, and economic tensions between Europe and its allies.
In a televised address to the French nation, Macron underscored the need for European strategic autonomy and stronger defence capabilities to counter the growing risks posed by Russia and other geopolitical shifts.
The War in Ukraine and the Russian Threat
Macron reaffirmed France’s unwavering support for Ukraine, stating that “since the first day, we decided to support Ukraine and impose sanctions on Russia, and that was the right choice.” He stressed that the conflict is not just about Ukraine’s sovereignty but also about European security as a whole. “If a country can invade its neighbour in Europe and go unpunished, then nobody can be sure of anything,” he said, warning against a world where “might is right.”
Highlighting the broader implications of the war, Macron described Russia as an ongoing security threat to Europe, pointing to its military expansion and continued aggression. “Russia plans to increase its army by 300,000 additional soldiers and add 3,000 extra jet fighters,” he stated. “Who can believe that, in this context, Russia will stop at Ukraine?” He also cited Russia’s cyber activities, election interference, and espionage operations as further evidence of its destabilising intentions.
The Role of the United States and Economic Tensions
The French president acknowledged growing uncertainty surrounding the United States’ position on global security. “Our ally, the United States, has changed its position, and there are doubts about what will happen next,” Macron noted. He expressed concern that Washington is pursuing protectionist economic policies, such as imposing tariffs on European goods. “Even the United States is trying to impose tariffs on goods coming from Europe,” he said, warning of potential economic repercussions for the European Union.
Despite these uncertainties, Macron remains hopeful that the transatlantic alliance will hold. “I want to believe that the US will stand by our side, but we have to be ready for that not to be the case,” he stated, urging Europe to strengthen its own security capabilities in preparation for any scenario.
Strengthening European Defence
Macron stressed the need for Europe to take greater responsibility for its own security. “To remain a spectator in this dangerous world would be crazy,” he asserted, outlining plans to bolster military spending, expand defence production, and enhance technological capabilities. He confirmed that France will host a meeting of all European army chiefs in Paris next week to discuss coordinated military efforts.
“The future of Europe cannot be decided in Moscow or Washington,” Macron declared, underlining the importance of European strategic independence. He revealed that upcoming measures would include increasing military expenditure, allowing for greater defence production on European soil, and mobilising both private and public financing without tax increases.
A Long-Term Commitment to Ukraine
The French president reiterated that peace in Ukraine cannot come at any cost. “The path to peace cannot be achieved by abandoning Ukraine,” he insisted. “We cannot conclude peace at any price according to the Russian dictator. The price of peace cannot be the collapse of Ukraine.”
Macron acknowledged past failures in negotiating with Russia, referencing the Minsk Accords. “We cannot forget that Russia started its invasion of Ukraine in 2014, and we negotiated the Minsk Accords. That was something that Russia didn’t respect,” he said, arguing that any future peace agreement must come with solid guarantees.
He also suggested that European forces may play a role in guaranteeing future peace in Ukraine. “Our forces will be there if necessary to guarantee peace, not before a peace agreement is signed,” he clarified, emphasising that Europe must prepare for a long-term commitment to Ukrainian security.
Economic and Technological Independence
Beyond military considerations, Macron also addressed the need for economic resilience in the face of rising global competition. “We need to ensure our economic, technological, and industrial independence,” he said, warning that Europe must prepare for potential economic disruptions, particularly from US trade policies. “We need to be able to respond to the situation of tariffs being imposed, as they have been on Mexico and Canada by the US.”
He called for urgent reforms and a shift in policymaking to adapt to these new realities. “The decisions of tomorrow cannot be based on the habits of yesterday,” he asserted, urging political leaders and institutions to craft strategies suitable for the changing global landscape.
A Call for Unity and Determination
In closing, Macron called on the French people to remain steadfast in the face of uncertainty. “We cannot indulge in triumphalism or defeatism. We will follow a single course: the course towards peace and security, faithful to our history and our principles,” he said. He stressed the importance of defending democratic values and freedoms, stating, “We believe in our security, but we also believe in the defence of democracy, in the idea of truth, freedom, and respect in our society.”
Acknowledging the challenges ahead, he concluded with a rallying call: “France needs you. It needs your commitment. The peace dividend is over. It is now up to us to earn the dividends of our commitments today—for our children tomorrow.”
Macron’s address signals a significant shift in European security strategy, with France positioning itself at the forefront of efforts to counter the Russian threat, strengthen European defence, and navigate an increasingly complex global order.
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