PARIS — In a compelling appeal, French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday emphasized the necessity for European Union (EU) member states to collaborate on securing “massive, common funding” aimed at generating investments amounting to hundreds of billions of euros for European defense and security.
During an interview featured in several prominent French newspapers, Macron stated, “We will give a mandate to the European Commission to define our capacity needs for a common defense.” He underscored that this substantial funding could potentially reach “hundreds of billions of euros.”
Urgent need for strategic autonomy
Macron’s comments are timely, coinciding with the upcoming special EU summit scheduled for Thursday, which will center on defense issues. Throughout his presidency, Macron has advocated for Europe to cultivate greater strategic autonomy, reduce reliance on the U.S., and increase investments in its own defense industry.
He asserted that the urgency for this transition has intensified given the U.S.’s shifting focus away from Europe. “It’s quarter to the midnight,” Macron remarked, adding, “As there are doubts over the support of the Americans towards Europe over time, we need to mobilize hundreds of billions of euros. It is Europe’s strategic wake-up moment,” as reported by the French daily Le Parisien.
Diversifying military ties
As the American administration adopts a more conciliatory stance toward Russia and signals a desire to disengage from European affairs, various EU member states—historically aligned with the U.S.—are actively seeking to diversify their military alliances. This shift stems from concerns that NATO could become ineffective.
Friedrich Merz, Germany’s likely next chancellor, has declared it his “absolute priority” to expedite the strengthening of Europe and achieve a measure of independence from the U.S.
On the same day, European and Canadian leaders convened in London to deliberate on Ukraine, with nations like France, the U.K., and Italy expressing readiness to mediate between the U.S. and Ukraine as relations become increasingly strained.
However, it is on Thursday that serious discussions regarding the enhancement of European defense capabilities will commence. Agenda topics are expected to include the establishment of a new defense spending mechanism, adjustments to fiscal regulations, and incentives for banks to finance defense initiatives.
“It’ll take five years, 10 years” to significantly bolster European defense, Macron observed in his interview. “But it doesn’t matter, because I believe today is the strategic wake-up moment,” he concluded.
Additionally, Macron signaled his openness to initiating dialogues about extending France’s nuclear protection to neighboring European countries. He said, “We have a shield, and they don’t. And they can no longer rely on the American nuclear deterrence. We need a strategic conversation with those who don’t have it; and it would make France stronger,” he articulated.