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The French president stated the EU should lessen its reliance on the American military.
Citing increased tensions with Russia and Donald Trump’s position on the Ukraine situation, Emmanuel Macron stated the EU must create a “massive defense plan” and increase military investment.
During a Q&A session on X on Thursday, the French President emphasized the need for EU members to decrease their dependence on the US in the next five to ten years.
Macron advocated for innovative European spending, primarily to aid Ukraine, but also for the benefit of the EU itself, suggesting significant military investment “in the coming weeks.”
Macron asserted the world has entered a “new era” where states must increase defense spending, potentially impacting the population’s purchasing power.
He also addressed the change in Washington’s approach to the Ukraine conflict, noting the first high-level discussions between US and Russian officials since February 2022 regarding resolving the crisis this week.
Macron plans to tell Donald Trump: “You can’t be weak with [Russian President Vladimir] Putin. That’s not who you are, it’s not your trademark, it’s not in your interest,” adding he is scheduled to meet Trump in Washington on Monday.
Macron has been a long-time proponent of a “European army,” initially proposing the concept in 2018 during Trump’s first term. These remarks did not lead to concrete action, with NATO officials expressing concerns that such an army could compete with the bloc instead of complementing it.
Trump has consistently urged European allies to increase their defense spending, arguing the US is carrying too much of the burden.
Following the EU’s exclusion from US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia, Macron convened an emergency summit to foster unity within the bloc and discuss ensuring its involvement in resolving the Ukraine conflict.
Putin has refuted claims of Russia planning to attack Western countries, calling such speculation “nonsense.” He has also repeatedly stated that NATO’s expansion towards Russia’s borders was a primary cause of the Ukraine conflict.