French President Emmanuel Macron has urged Europe to “wake up” and increase its defence spending to reduce dependence on the United States for security.
Speaking to the French military on Monday, Macron framed Donald Trump’s return to power as an opportunity for Europe to re-evaluate its strategic priorities.
In his New Year’s address at the Army Digital and Cyber Support Command in western France, Macron highlighted potential shifts in US foreign policy under Trump, particularly regarding the war in Ukraine.
“What will we do in Europe tomorrow if our American ally withdraws its warships from the Mediterranean? If they send their fighter jets from the Atlantic to the Pacific?” he asked.
Trump has criticised the financial burden of US military aid to Ukraine and has made clear his intention to transfer more responsibility to Europe. He has also pledged to bring the conflict to a swift resolution, expressing hope for a peace agreement within six months.
Macron stressed the need for Europe to adapt to changing threats and geopolitical realities.
“Who would have thought a year ago that Greenland would be at the center of political and strategic debates? That’s the way it is,” he noted.
The French president emphasised the importance of sustaining support for Ukraine to ensure Kyiv enters any future peace negotiations from a position of strength. He also underscored the necessity of providing Ukraine with “guarantees” to prevent the recurrence of war on its territory.
Last week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed he had discussed with Macron the possibility of Western military deployments in Ukraine as part of a peace settlement.
“As one of these guarantees, we discussed the French initiative to deploy military contingents in Ukraine,” Zelenskyy said.
Macron concluded by calling on Europe to play a “full role” in securing a lasting peace in Ukraine, underlining the need for a collective effort to adapt to evolving global dynamics.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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