French President Emmanuel Macron delivered a speech on Europe at the Sorbonne on April 25, 2024. While the Elysee Palace had been building up pressure on this speech to influence the strategic agenda of the European Union, Macron only briefly touched on climate and environmental issues during his address. He praised the EU’s Green Deal as the only political space in the world that has planned its transitions, but did not present new proposals to meet the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030.
Macron discussed climate issues alongside energy, competitiveness, and production challenges. He emphasized the need to reduce dependence on Russian hydrocarbons and promote renewable and nuclear energy to build a European atomic energy infrastructure. He highlighted the importance of investing in electrical interconnections in Europe to enhance price competitiveness. Macron envisions Europe as a true power in electrical energy with free circulation of decarbonized electrons, regardless of their source.
While Macron referenced green technologies and industries, he expressed hopes for Europe to become the first “zero-plastic continent” and praised biodiversity as a treasure to be passed down. He addressed the need for a collective budgetary investment plan for financing climate action and suggested integrating decarbonization goals into monetary policy. However, he did not introduce any new concrete ideas during his speech, which disappointed some observers looking for innovative solutions for climate challenges.
The intertwining of climate issues with other agendas aligns with Macron’s strategy to emphasize the economic opportunities of ecological transitions and avoid emphasizing constraints that could fuel right-wing populism, particularly in light of recent agricultural crises. Macron and his administration view the transition to a green economy as a source of economic growth and stability, emphasizing the benefits rather than the challenges. This approach reflects the broader political landscape in France and Europe, where climate action is increasingly seen as a key driver of economic development and competitiveness.
Overall, Macron’s speech at the Sorbonne focused on integrating climate issues within broader economic and industrial policies to drive sustainable growth and competitiveness in Europe. While he acknowledged the need for increased investment in renewable energy and decarbonization, he did not present any new concrete proposals to address these challenges. Macron’s emphasis on the economic opportunities of the green transition and his call for collective action reflect his broader strategy to promote sustainable development while avoiding potential political backlash. His speech sets the stage for continued discussions on climate and environmental policies at the EU level and highlights the importance of integrating climate considerations into broader policy frameworks for long-term sustainability.
