Macron calls for building 'Europe that is independent of US'

French President Emmanuel Macron highlighted the risks ahead for Europe, urging European Union (EU) countries to build a "Europe that is independent of the U.S." as he spoke at Sorbonne University Thursday.

Europe 'could die'

Macron highlighted the significant challenges facing the French President, saying: "We could weaken because the world is experiencing unprecedented change. Europe could die; preventing this is up to us."

Continuing his speech, Macron said: "We need to be clear that our EU is mortal and could die."

Accepted failure in building a democratic Europe, the French President stated: "The EU must embrace the changing global perspective and reply to it with power, prosperity, and human rights."

'Europe without US'

Macron's statement escalated the crisis between Washington and Paris. The French leader said: "Europe has never been a servant of the U.S," calling for Europe to be independent of the U.S.

Macron said that Europe is becoming impoverished and not fast and dynamic enough, stating that Europe needs to be more assertive in its geopolitical competition with the U.S. and China.

Europe needs to be a geopolitical power center; the French President claimed that many European countries have handed over defense to the U.S., energy to Russia and other issues to China.

Emphasis on respect for the international system

Macron alleged that the U.S. and China do not respect the international system, stating: "If the Chinese and Americans no longer respect the trade rules by subsidizing critical sectors, and if we are the only ones respecting them, then it's useless."

'Future of Europe depends on Ukraine'

Stressing the need to ensure Europe's security by halting Russia's operation in Ukraine, the French President reaffirmed his statements about the possibility of sending soldiers to Kyiv in the future.

Source: Newsroom