PARIS — In a significant address, President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the necessity for France to brace itself for the potential disengagement of the United States from European affairs. He advocates for an increase in defense spending and a reassessment of the nation’s nuclear deterrent strategy.
“The Russian threat is here and is affecting European countries, affecting us,” Macron stated during a nationally televised speech on Wednesday. “I want to believe that the U.S. will stay by our side, but we have to be ready if they don’t.”
Macron highlighted that the longstanding peace experienced in Western Europe since World War II may be coming to an end, asserting that the continent must bolster its defense capabilities in anticipation of future uncertainties.
“Our generation will no longer reap the dividends of peace. It is up to us to ensure that our children reap the dividends of our commitments tomorrow,” he remarked, signaling a shift in the strategic outlook for Europe.
Preparing for a crisis summit
His comments precede a critical summit in Brussels, where leaders of the 27 European Union nations are set to deliberate on enhancing defense budgets and providing continued support for Ukraine. These discussions arise amid indications from Washington that it may be pivoting away from Europe, seeking a more conciliatory approach towards Russia in hopes of negotiating a peace agreement.
The U.S. has recently paused military aid to Ukraine and ceased intelligence sharing, following a contentious meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Strengthening European defenses
Macron underscored the importance of not abandoning Ukraine in its pursuit of peace, insisting that Europe should not agree to a ceasefire without sufficient security assurances. He announced plans to convene with military officials from nations willing to deploy peacekeeping forces, which would only be sent in once hostilities cease.
Additionally, Macron accused Moscow of “testing [France’s] limits” through military and cyber challenges, reiterating his stance that Russia has escalated the conflict in Ukraine to a “global conflict.”
To counter this threat independently of the United States, Macron proposed initiating a strategic dialogue concerning the expansion of France’s nuclear deterrent to safeguard its European allies. This idea has also been endorsed by Germany’s incoming Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Both leaders are scheduled to be in Brussels on Thursday to discuss a bold initiative from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, aiming to release up to €800 billion over the coming years for defense purposes. This plan entails provisions for €150 billion in loans aimed at purchasing artillery, missiles, ammunition, drones, and anti-drone systems, alongside proposals to relax stringent fiscal regulations to enable member states to invest more in their defense.
While European diplomats regard the plan as a positive step, Macron views it “very favorably,” as noted by an Elysée official.
Domestically, Macron is pushing for an increase in France’s defense spending to exceed 3 percent of its gross domestic product. He clarified that these new investments should not translate to increased taxes, although Economy Minister Eric Lombard has suggested taxing the wealthy as a potential source of funding for defense initiatives.
Ultimately, Macron faces limited options regarding spending and taxation policies due to a lack of a parliamentary majority to support his plans.