French President Emmanuel Macron delivered a compelling and far-reaching address at Sorbonne University in Paris, where he issued a poignant call for stronger European defenses and comprehensive economic reforms. Macron's speech was not merely a reflection of current challenges but also a visionary blueprint for Europe's future on the global stage.
In his address, Macron warned of the existential threat facing Europe, stating that “there is a risk our Europe could die. We are not equipped to face the risks.”
He emphasized the urgent need for the continent to confront various pressures, including military aggression, economic challenges, and cyber threats, which could potentially weaken and fragment the 27-nation European Union.
Macron also underscored the importance of resisting Russian aggression, particularly in Ukraine, while advocating for a bolstering of Europe’s cybersecurity capacity and closer defense collaboration with post-Brexit Britain.
He proposed the establishment of a European academy to train high-ranking military personnel, stressing: “There is no defense without a defense industry… we’ve had decades of under-investment,” he said, adding that Europeans should give preference to buying European military equipment.
“We must produce more, we must produce faster, and we must produce as Europeans,” Macron said.
He emphasized the urgent need for the continent to confront various pressures, including military aggression, economic challenges, and cyber threats, which could potentially weaken and fragment the 27-nation European Union.
Macron also underscored the importance of resisting Russian aggression, particularly in Ukraine, while advocating for a bolstering of Europe’s cybersecurity capacity and closer defense collaboration with post-Brexit Britain.
He proposed the establishment of a European academy to train high-ranking military personnel, stressing: “There is no defense without a defense industry… we’ve had decades of under-investment,” he said, adding that Europeans should give preference to buying European military equipment.
“We must produce more, we must produce faster, and we must produce as Europeans,” Macron said.
European strategic autonomy
In this context, Macron articulated a vision of European strategic autonomy, emphasizing the imperative for Europe to assert itself independently from the United States.
He stated, “Europe must show that it is never a vassal of the United States and that it also knows how to talk to all the other regions of the world.” Macron’s call for Europe to prioritize purchasing European military equipment highlighted his commitment to reducing dependence on external powers.
Economically, Macron highlighted the risk of Europe falling behind in the face of global challenges to free trade. He urged the EU to strive for leadership in key technological sectors such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and renewable energy.
Macron proposed exemptions to EU competition rules to support strategic sectors, “Europe needs less fragmented markets for energy, telecoms and financial services, and must also cut red tape,” he said.
Furthermore, Macron’s speech aimed to revitalize the EU’s strategic agenda for the next five years, positioning France as a key player in shaping the bloc’s future direction. Despite facing challenges to his leadership and declining popularity, Macron remains determined to influence EU policy and strengthen Europe’s position on the world stage.
In this context, Macron articulated a vision of European strategic autonomy, emphasizing the imperative for Europe to assert itself independently from the United States.
He stated, “Europe must show that it is never a vassal of the United States and that it also knows how to talk to all the other regions of the world.” Macron’s call for Europe to prioritize purchasing European military equipment highlighted his commitment to reducing dependence on external powers.
Economically, Macron highlighted the risk of Europe falling behind in the face of global challenges to free trade. He urged the EU to strive for leadership in key technological sectors such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and renewable energy.
Macron proposed exemptions to EU competition rules to support strategic sectors, “Europe needs less fragmented markets for energy, telecoms and financial services, and must also cut red tape,” he said.
Furthermore, Macron’s speech aimed to revitalize the EU’s strategic agenda for the next five years, positioning France as a key player in shaping the bloc’s future direction. Despite facing challenges to his leadership and declining popularity, Macron remains determined to influence EU policy and strengthen Europe’s position on the world stage.
Prioritizing European borders
Macron called on the European Union to “regain control of its borders” and appealed for stronger cooperation among European countries in the face of immigration, going beyond the recently adopted migration pact.
“A strong Europe is a Europe that controls its borders,” Macron said.
He spoke about the establishment of a “political structure” at the European level that would enable decision-making “on issues of immigration, combating organized crime, terrorism, drug trafficking, and cybercrime.”
Ultimately, Macron’s address at Sorbonne University was not only a rallying cry for European unity and resilience but also a testament to his vision for a reinvigorated and assertive European Union capable of navigating the complexities of the modern geopolitical landscape.
Macron called on the European Union to “regain control of its borders” and appealed for stronger cooperation among European countries in the face of immigration, going beyond the recently adopted migration pact.
“A strong Europe is a Europe that controls its borders,” Macron said.
He spoke about the establishment of a “political structure” at the European level that would enable decision-making “on issues of immigration, combating organized crime, terrorism, drug trafficking, and cybercrime.”
Ultimately, Macron’s address at Sorbonne University was not only a rallying cry for European unity and resilience but also a testament to his vision for a reinvigorated and assertive European Union capable of navigating the complexities of the modern geopolitical landscape.
Source: TVP World, Reuters, PAP
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