In his second speech at the Sorbonne on April 25, President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged the dark evolution of the world by highlighting the need for Europe to protect itself in order to protect its citizens. Macron warned that Europe could die if it does not address the threats it faces. He proposed remedies to defend Europe, including building a credible European defense to ensure security in the face of regional powers such as Russia and Iran. Macron emphasized the importance of investing in European defense and reducing reliance on American armaments in order to strengthen Europe’s position in the world.
Macron also emphasized the need for a shift in paradigm in both the economy and security sectors to ensure Europe’s survival in the face of global challenges. He called for European countries to invest heavily and collectively in innovation, new technologies, artificial intelligence, and decarbonization to avoid falling behind the United States and China, who he believes are not adhering to trade rules. Macron’s speech resonated with the recent warnings issued by other European leaders, including former Italian Prime Ministers Enrico Letta and Mario Draghi, as well as the Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, who all called for radical changes to address the profound global transformations.
While some European partners who are strongly tied to the transatlantic relationship may be concerned about the emphasis on the growing gap with the United States, Macron’s speech was received positively by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who recognized the positive initiatives in Macron’s proposals. However, there is still a need to determine the specific actions needed to build a stronger Europe and to reach a consensus on an action plan to achieve the goal of a more powerful and united Europe. Macron’s vision for Europe resonates with his belief in the importance of the European project, provided it can adapt and evolve to meet the challenges of the modern world.
Overall, Macron’s speech at the Sorbonne highlighted the urgent need for Europe to protect itself and take proactive steps to ensure its security and economic stability in a rapidly changing global landscape. From investing in defense capabilities to prioritizing technological innovation and sustainable development, Macron’s proposals aim to position Europe as a strong and autonomous player on the world stage. The response from European leaders will be crucial in determining the viability and success of Macron’s vision for a more powerful Europe capable of navigating the challenges of the 21st century.
