France Achieves First State Visit to Germany in 24 Years
EU Budget Doubled, Must Strengthen Space and Defense Industries
Next Month's European Parliament Election: Calls to Check Far-Right Parties
French President Emmanuel Macron reiterated the 'Europe Self-Reliance Theory,' emphasizing that "Europe must build a new common security concept" and break away from the US-dependent security system.
According to Bloomberg and other sources on the 27th (local time), President Macron advocated for a European joint defense system during his speech at the Dresden Frauenkirche Square in Germany that afternoon, stating, "We must not fall into the trap of nationalist thinking or solely relying on the United States."
He added, "True unity or integration of Europe will be achieved when we ourselves lay the foundation for defense and security. This is a task to be solved in the coming years," and emphasized, "The redefinition of this framework needs to be done within a few months." While calling the US's active support for Ukraine a stroke of luck for Europe, he also pointed out, "We need to ask ourselves whether it is reasonable to always demand such efforts from the United States."
President Macron's advocacy for European self-reliance extended to the economic sector as well. Regarding the competition between the US and China for global trade dominance, he said, "(Europe) can no longer afford to be naive," and stressed, "European-style rules are needed that allow Europe to choose preferred products in any field, including defense and space industries." To this end, he proposed doubling the European Union (EU) joint budget.
President Macron also raised his voice in criticism of Russia. He described Russia as "an authoritarian regime playing with Europe's future to realize its imperial dreams," emphasizing, "This is why Europe's joint defense and construction are necessary."
President Macron visited Germany on a three-day state visit starting on the 26th. It was the first time in 24 years that a French president visited Germany since former President Jacques Chirac in 2000. France and Germany, the two pillars of the EU, have been at odds over issues such as involving US and Israeli defense contractors in the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI). While German Chancellor Olaf Scholz prioritizes a US-centered security system, President Macron insists that Europe must reduce its dependence on the US and develop its own defense capabilities. The two leaders are scheduled to hold a summit on the 28th.
President Macron's visit to Germany also drew attention as it took place two weeks before the European Parliament elections. In his speech, he appealed, "As authoritarian winds are blowing across Europe, we must awaken," and urged, "To drive out this bad wind, every country must rediscover its commitment." Recent major foreign media polls predict that European voters, shaken by the cost of living, energy crisis, and illegal immigration issues, may empower far-right parties as alternatives to mainstream parties.
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