"Risk of Europe's Status Declining Over the Next 10 Years Increases"
"Must Fulfill Responsibility to Develop Europe's Defense Industry"
French President Emmanuel Macron warned on the 25th (local time) that Europe is facing a critical crisis and stated that it should not rely on the United States but strengthen its own defense.
According to major foreign media reports, President Macron made these remarks during a speech presenting Europe's vision at Sorbonne University in Paris on the same day. He emphasized, "Europe is absolutely not a vassal of the United States and must show that it knows how to engage with all other regions of the world," adding, "We must build a strategic concept of a credible European defense."
He pointed out, "Europe is not immortal and can die," and "The rules of the game in the world have changed, but Europe has not armed itself against the risks it faces." He continued, "There is a high risk that Europe will weaken or lose status over the next decade," adding, "This depends solely on our choices."
If former U.S. President Donald Trump regains power in the U.S. presidential election this November, he may pressure Europe with the 'free-rider theory on European security.' Although the U.S. and Europe are NATO allies, former President Trump has insisted on strengthening Europe's burden-sharing.
Regarding this, President Macron said, "If we do not fulfill our responsibility to develop the European defense industry, can we build our sovereignty and autonomy?" and "We should prefer to purchase European-made military equipment more."
He also criticized the United States and China for not respecting global trade rules and urged the European Union (EU) to revise its trade policy. He pointed out, "If China and the United States subsidize key sectors and do not respect trade rules while we alone comply with them, these rules will no longer be effective."
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