French President Emmanuel Macron warned that the European model is at risk due to the US-China rivalry and emphasized the urgency for the EU to become more united and sovereign. He highlighted the changing rules in geopolitics, the economy, and trade, urging that decisions must be made now to prevent the demise of Europe. Macron stressed the need for a credible European defence to combat threats from Russia, advocating for a European defence initiative and a “European preference” for military equipment purchasing.
To protect European industrial actors from unfair competition by US and Chinese rivals, Macron proposed a “prosperity pact” that includes deregulation to simplify rules and boost European companies. He suggested a major collective investment plan, prioritizing sectors such as AI, space, biotechnologies, renewables, and nuclear energy. Macron also called for a growth or climate objective to be added to the European Central Bank’s mandate, and for the acceleration of a Capital Markets Union to encourage EU banks to invest in European products.
Embracing European values such as freedom, democracy, rule of law, and equality, Macron highlighted the need to combat disinformation and propaganda threatening these principles. He proposed the creation of European degrees and alliances of European museums and libraries to strengthen intra-European ties. Macron also advocated for a “digital majority” to protect young people online and reinforced the importance of the EU’s rule of law mechanism to sanction member states undermining EU values.
Despite delivering the speech just six weeks before the European Parliament elections, Macron’s team stressed that it was an institutional moment for a head of state rather than an electoral campaign exercise. The president did not directly reference his national rival, but took a swipe at nationalist forces, emphasizing that European ideas have prevailed. Macron urged for the fulfillment of promises for Europe over the next decade, aiming to keep the continent united and prosperous amidst global challenges.
In his address at the Sorbonne, Macron emphasized the need for Europe to adapt its defence and economic models in response to changing global dynamics. He urged for a more unified and sovereign EU, warning that the continent’s future was at stake and that decisions needed to be made promptly. Macron called for a credible European defence to address threats such as Russia, advocating for a European defence initiative and a focus on strengthening the European defence industry.
To ensure the survival of European industrial actors amidst competition from US and Chinese rivals, Macron proposed a prosperity pact involving deregulation and a major investment plan to boost key sectors. He emphasized the importance of simplifying rules, investing more in European companies, and defending European interests to sustain the continent’s economic model. Macron also championed European values, proposing initiatives to strengthen intra-European ties, combat disinformation, and protect citizens online.
