France’s president stated that Europe needs to prioritize long-term strategic planning, which includes developing deep-strike capabilities and evaluating how France’s nuclear deterrent can integrate into the future security framework of the bloc.
During the Munich Security Conference, President Emmanuel Macron rejected claims that Europe was in decline and advocated for its efforts to combat disinformation and the negative impacts of social media affecting Western democracies.
"Now is the moment for boldness. This is the perfect moment for a powerful Europe," Macron stated. Europe must learn to evolve into a geopolitical power. It wasn't in our DNA.
“Instead of criticizing us, everyone should follow our example,” he stated.
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Macron, about to begin his final year in office, stated that Europe would continue to confront an aggressive Russia even if an agreement on the Ukraine conflict was reached and emphasized the need not to yield to Russian demands or accept a temporary deal that wouldn't address fundamental problems.
"The Europeans need to initiate this task by focusing on their own thoughts and interests." "My suggestion today is to initiate a series of discussions on this significant matter, which we have begun to develop with our British and German partners, but in the wider European dialogue with all the colleagues present, with ample expertise and strategic insight," said Macron.
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Macron, set to give a speech later this month regarding his perspective on France’s nuclear deterrent in Europe, stated that he has initiated those discussions.
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"We need to rearrange and restructure our security framework in Europe. The previous security architecture was entirely conceived and structured during the Cold War era. Thus, it is no longer suitable," he stated.