Spend More on Defence, Macron Tells Europe

French president says Trump’s return to office a wake-up call for Europe

Wed Jan 22 2025
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ISLAMABAD: French President Emmanuel Macron urged European leaders to “wake up” and spend more on defence as Donald Trump returns to power.

Macron referred to expected changes in Washington’s foreign policy.

“[It is an] opportunity for a European strategic wake-up call,” in his New Year’s speech to the military at the Army Digital and Cyber Support Command based in western France.

“What will we do in Europe tomorrow if our American ally withdraws its warships from the Mediterranean?

If they send their fighter jets from the Atlantic to the Pacific?” he asked.

 

What will we do in Europe tomorrow if our American ally withdraws its warships from the Mediterranean? – French President Emanuel Macron

According to AP, Trump has criticised the cost of the war in Ukraine for US taxpayers through major military aid packages and has made it clear that he wants to shift more of the fiscal burden onto Europe.

He has vowed to bring the conflict to a swift end, voicing hope that peace could be negotiated in six months.

Support to Ukraine

France and Europe need to adapt to evolving threats and changing interests, Macron said. “Who would have thought a year ago that Greenland would be at the center of political and strategic debates? That’s the way it is.”

Macron said providing lasting support to Ukraine is key so that Kyiv is in a strong position when engaging in any future peace negotiations.

Ukraine must receive “guarantees” against any return of the war on its territory when hostilities cease and Europe must take “play its full role” in the process, he said.

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