French President Macron: 'Our Europe is mortal and it can die'

French President Emmanuel Macron delivered a speech on European foreign policy at the Sorbonne University in the capital, Paris.

Stating that Europe must increase its defense against the challenges of a changing world, Macron expressed that Europe is not sufficiently armed against global threats such as Russia.

Calling on Europe to build a "credible" defense strategy, Macron said, "Our Europe is mortal and it can die. This can only change depending on our choices." Pointing out that Europe must be independent in the fields of defense and economy, Macron used the expression, "How can we build our sovereignty and our autonomy if we do not take on the responsibility of developing our own defense industry?"

"EUROPE MUST SHOW IT IS NOT A VASSAL OF THE US"

Calling on Europe to produce more and faster, Macron said that Europe must show that it is never a "vassal" of the US.

"There is no defense without a defense industry. We have not invested enough for decades," said Macron, calling on Europeans to choose to purchase military equipment from domestic firms.

Macron stated that Russia has been acting without regard for borders since its invasion of Ukraine, and said that it is no longer clear where Moscow's "borders" lie.

Emphasizing that Russia and China do not act in accordance with global trade rules, Macron called on the European Union to review its trade policy.

News Source: İHA