Despite his meeting with American President, Donald Trump only ten days ago, with Trump’s volte-face in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky buckling under American pressure, French President Emmanuel Macron decided it was time to address his nation.
On Wednesday evening, the French chef d’état warned of increasing global instability and called for greater European military autonomy in the face of the Russian threat. His solemn speech comes amid growing concerns about security in Europe and shifting geopolitical alliances. According to a recent poll, 65% of French citizens believe the risk of an armed conflict on European soil is high. Macron sought to reassure his citizens while emphasizing the need for decisive action.
“Russia has turned the war in Ukraine into a global conflict,” Macron declared. He cited intelligence reports indicating that Moscow plans to expand its military by 2030, adding 3,000 tanks and 300 fighter jets. “Who can believe that Russia will stop at Ukraine?” he asked indicating that a war-like situation was looming at EU’s doorstep. Since the beginning of the war, France has supported Ukraine through sanctions against Russia and military aid. “It is not only the Ukrainian people fighting for their freedom, but also our security that is at stake,” he said.
About The Announcement Made By French President Emmanuel Macron
Macron announced that France will be hosting a meeting of several heads of states next week in Paris, to guarantee Ukraine’s future security.
In light of growing uncertainty about U.S. support for Ukraine, Macron emphasized the need for Europe to take greater responsibility for its own security. “I want to believe that the United States will remain at our side, but we must be ready if this is not the case,” he said. While reaffirming France’s commitment to NATO, he insisted that “the future of Europe must not be decided by Washington or Moscow.”
At the upcoming summit, Macron revealed plans for joint financing to purchase made-in-EU military equipment such as tanks and fighter jets on European soil, allowing countries to bolster their defenses without increasing deficits. He also announced plans to bring together defence industry leaders in the coming days. He mentioned the need for new budgetary choices and investments, requiring both private and public financing without tax hikes.
As the only nuclear power in the European Union, France has a primordial role to play in the continent’s defense. Macron stated that he would open a strategic debate on the protection of European allies through France’s nuclear deterrence, responding to a recent proposal from Germany’s Chancellor-designate Friedrich Merz. However, he made it clear that any decision on France’s nuclear arsenal would remain solely in the hands of France.
Beyond military concerns, Macron argued that Europe must assert itself as a global power in all sectors. “Europe has the economic strength, the power, and the talent to rise to the occasion,” he said, urging decisive action on agriculture, research, industry, and public policies to ensure long-term stability and competitiveness. He concluded by calling on the French people to recognize the historic moment they are living through. “We must act together, as Europeans, determined to protect ourselves. The homeland needs you, your commitment,” he said. “Our generation will no longer receive the dividends of peace. It is up to us to ensure that our children reap the dividends of our commitments tomorrow.”