French President Emmanuel Macron defends Europe as a model of strength and original political construction, urging the world to follow its lead.
MUNICH: President Emmanuel Macron on Friday presented Europe as an example for the world to follow. He made the remarks at the Munich Security Conference as the continent works to rebuild strained ties with the United States.
“Everyone should take their cue from us, instead of criticising us,” Macron stated. His comments came after US Vice President JD Vance used last year’s address at the gathering to attack European policies on immigration and free speech.
Macron argued there is a tendency to overlook or outright criticise Europe. He cited perceptions of the continent as an aging, slow, and fragmented construct prey to barbaric migrations.
Europe is instead a radically original political construction of free sovereign states, he asserted. It gave up centuries of rivalry and war to institutionalise peace through economic interdependence.
“I believe that Europe is inherently strong and can be made even stronger yet,” Macron added. He said Europe now must learn to become a geopolitical power.
Macron expressed French support for US President Donald Trump’s drive towards a negotiated peace to end Russia’s war in Ukraine. He warned that any settlement ending Europe’s worst conflict since World War II would require defining rules of coexistence to limit escalation risks.
“We should articulate among Europeans our real long-term security interests in our region,” the French president said. He called for Europe to give itself the metal and clout to prosecute those interests while fortifying itself as confident democracies.
“This Europe will be a good ally and partner for the United States of America,” Macron added. He stated it would be a partner taking its fair share of the burden and one that is respected.
Macron last month said France preferred “respect to bullies” after Trump’s vow to impose levies on countries opposing his threat to seize Greenland. The US leader has since backed down and started talks with Denmark.
The Sun Malaysia
