French President Emmanuel Macron has emphasized the need for Europe to develop its own defense strategy, citing that Europe will 'not be a geopolitical priority' for the U.S., which focuses on its own interests and China. Macron's statements reflect a broader vision for a more independent Europe, capable of standing up to global adversaries without relying heavily on American support. He has openly discussed the potential role of nuclear weapons in European defense, proposing a debate on a common European nuclear deterrent. This move comes as Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz initiate a 'defense club' to strengthen European defense cooperation, particularly in light of ongoing global tensions such as the Ukrainian conflict. Macron's plea for the EU's strategic autonomy, however, faces challenges from internal divisions and potential U.S. intervention.
Macron wants to open ‘debate’ on European nuclear deterrent https://t.co/kdH6UaK5xJ
France must open debate on building up a pan-European defense capability, to include rethinking its own nuclear potential - Macron Story: https://t.co/JAZCichM7J https://t.co/C3oR325ESV
France's @EmmanuelMacron opening debate about common EU nuclear deterrent, remains vague but seems to say French nukes would protect other nations if they share costs https://t.co/dQ7T1iOZPR
Macron ready to 'open debate' on nuclear European defence ➡️ https://t.co/6sPoCxE8Qw https://t.co/KjpplRaGge
French President Emmanuel Macron is ready to "open the debate" about the role of nuclear weapons in a common European defence, he said in an interview published Saturday https://t.co/EFjhL838p2
“The US has 2 priorities, the US first, & that’s legitimate, and then the question of China. Europe will not be a geopolitical priority for the years to come, however strong our alliance.” Europe has taken US support for granted. Why would a diminishing Europe remain a priority? https://t.co/2QjL9RbYxo
Macron and Scholz create a new “defense club” amid the Ukrainian conflict In the face of heightened global tensions and looming conflicts, France and Germany are seeking to strengthen European defense cooperation by simplifying the interaction of EU countries on defense… https://t.co/RRnBoekY01
As the European Union grapples with multiple challenges, French President Emmanuel Macron's plea for the #EU's strategic autonomy faces difficulty from divisions inside the bloc and probable intervention from the United States, experts say. https://t.co/gUDnduDcGG
Bloomberg: French President says Europe can no longer rely on the US for its security needs and must build its own credible defense https://t.co/SzjBPevvLa
Don't take it from me. @EmmanuelMacron: "“The US has two priorities, the US first, and that’s legitimate, and then the question of China,” the French president said. “Europe will not be a geopolitical priority for the years...to come, however strong our alliance.” 1/
French President Macron said Europe will "not be a geopolitical priority" for the U.S. and urges the continent to develop its own defense strategy. https://t.co/XMqM9S7eXG
Macron outlined a bold vision for an independent-minded Europe, less reliant on America and more willing to stand up to the West’s enemies. But will his EU colleagues listen, asks @Valen10Francois 👇 https://t.co/x40m1qFy3Z
Europe is making progress on security, but it isn't fast or comprehensive enough, as Macron frankly acknowledges here. Fear of American abandonment has accelerated this consolidation on the continent, but actual American abandonment would be a catastrophe: https://t.co/UuzjdOPV3I