France President Emmanuel Macron highlighted the need to increase defense investments in Europe amid Russian threats and conflict in Ukraine. In a statement, Macron stated that European security is directly threatened by war in Ukraine, which has become a “global conflict.”
“Russia continues to increase its weapons budget for war, and Europe needs to be able to defend itself without the US help,” he said. He stressed that peace on the continent will only be possible by strengthening European military capacity. “We need to make decisions now for the safety of Ukraine and the EU,” he said.
Macron mentioned that France has doubled its military spending in the last ten years and is working to increase defense investments in Europe. “We will have a meeting with European defense heads in Paris next week,” he said, reinforcing the importance of a joint strategy.
The French leader also addressed the “nuclear deterrent”, stating that nuclear weapons are a protective pillar for France. He also suggested a debate on the extension of the French nuclear “umbrella” to other European partners. However, he made it clear that the final decision on the matter will be exclusively to the president of France.
He pointed out that the war in Ukraine will not be decided by Russia or the US, but by a collective effort. “We need an agreement that guarantees lasting peace in Ukraine,” he said, adding that “peace cannot be conquered if we abandon Ukraine.”
The Frenchman also criticized the tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump, warning of the negative impacts they may have not only in Europe, but around the world. “Trump’s fares will impact the American economy and the European economy,” he said, adding that the Republican must be convinced that these measures are not positive.
