In a decisive address to the nation, President Emmanuel Macron expressed his concerns over the changing geopolitical landscape in Europe, particularly in the wake of Donald Trump’s return to the White House. With Trump signaling a potential shift in U.S. foreign policy, which could include a rapid push for negotiations with Russia over Ukraine, Macron emphasized the importance of European self-reliance and security.
The French president voiced that the French population has legitimate worries about “a new era” of instability, suggesting that the future of Europe cannot hinge solely on decisions made in Washington or Moscow. Echoing sentiments of caution, he noted, “I want to believe that the US will stay by our side, but we have to be prepared for that not to be the case.” Macron framed Russia as a persistent threat to both France and Europe, stating that its aggressive posture extends beyond Ukraine, questioning, “Who can believe that this Russia of today will stop at Ukraine?”
Macron underscored that any peace sought with Russia should not come at any cost, expressing the necessity for strong guarantees to prevent a fragile ceasefire that could lead to further conflict. With an EU summit approaching to discuss rearmament, he called for increased defense spending and strategic investments in the continent’s military capabilities.
In a significant policy proposal, Macron announced his intention to engage in discussions about extending France’s nuclear deterrent to other European nations. This follows a request from Friedrich Merz, likely to become Germany’s next chancellor, who indicated interest in “nuclear sharing” arrangements with France and the United Kingdom. Macron clarified that while the discourse on extending nuclear protection is open, the decisions regarding the use of nuclear weapons would remain firmly in the hands of the French head of state.
The president also detailed a potential peacekeeping role for European military forces in Ukraine should a peace agreement be reached. He stated, “They won’t go to fight today, they won’t go to fight on the front line, but they would be there once a peace deal is signed, to guarantee it is fully respected.” Macron’s remarks came alongside his announcement of a forthcoming meeting for European military chiefs in Paris to discuss post-peace strategies for Ukraine.
The tensions with the U.S. were further spotlighted following separate talks between Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Trump, where Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky faced criticism from the U.S. leader. In the aftermath, Zelensky advocated for de-escalation measures, calling for a “truce” in maritime and aerial conflict as a preliminary step towards ending the prolonged war with Russia.
In a sign of ongoing friction with Washington, Macron characterized planned U.S. tariffs on European products as “incomprehensible,” urging for a re-evaluation of such measures to avoid escalating trade tensions. His remarks coincided with a meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has exhibited a tendency to deviate from a unified EU stance concerning Ukraine, potentially complicating future cooperation efforts.
As Europe grapples with these emerging challenges, Macron’s address signals a pivotal moment for European security and solidarity in the face of shifting alliances and international pressures.
