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Macron: ‘The future of Europe cannot be decided in Washington or Moscow’

The French president calls for greater autonomy for Europe in defence matters, stressing the threat posed by Russia and the need not to depend on the United States

French President Emmanuel Macron issued a clear warning during his address to the nation this evening, declaring that ‘the future of Europe cannot be decided in Washington or Moscow’. Macron emphasised the need for European countries to strengthen their defence capability in the face of an increasingly threatening world. ‘In the face of a world of threats it would be foolish to remain spectators,’ he said, referring in particular to the war in Ukraine and Russia’s growing military ambitions.

Macron expressed his concern about Moscow’s military plans, explaining that ‘by 2030, Russia plans to increase its army with 3,000 more tanks and 300 more fighter planes’. According to the French president, no one should believe that Russia will stop at Ukraine: ‘Russia has become a threat to France and Europe, and we must confront it,’ he stated firmly.

Stressing that ‘peace cannot be a capitulation of Ukraine’, Macron reiterated that the only road to peace is through a resolution that respects Ukraine’s territorial integrity. He went on to emphasise that no matter how long it takes to achieve peace, Europe must be ready to defend itself or deter other potential threats.

While remaining committed to NATO, Macron said that Europe must strengthen its autonomy in the defence sphere, urging further military investment by member states without burdening state budgets or taxpayers. Claiming the strength of the French armed forces, he recalled that ‘France has the most effective army in Europe’ and, thanks to nuclear deterrence, enjoys a protection that its neighbours do not have.

During the speech, Macron also addressed the change in the US position on the war in Ukraine and Donald Trump’s recent threats to impose tariffs on Europe. Calling the duties ‘incomprehensible’, the French president expressed hope that he could convince Trump not to proceed in this direction. He assured the French that the government will make proposals to deal with the new economic situation, calling on the country to remain united in the face of possible difficulties.

‘We are entering a new era,’ noted Macron, who concluded his speech by assuring that despite the challenges ahead, “we will face difficulties together” to protect Europe’s sovereignty and security.

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