Macron States Europe’s Future Isn’t for “Washington or Moscow to Decide”

French President Emmanuel Macron has outlined plans for increased defense spending, promising “additional investments” in the nation’s military without raising taxes in a speech broadcast from the Élysée Palace in Paris on March 5.

Speaking ahead of a key European meeting on March 6, Macron stressed the importance of European nations enhancing their defense capabilities, including nuclear deterrence. “We must be prepared if the United States is not with us,” he said, urging European leaders to focus on deterrence and improving their readiness in the face of growing threats.

“The future of Europe should not be decided in Washington or Moscow,” Macron remarked, pointing to the renewed threat from the east and stressing that the security landscape has changed since the fall of the Berlin Wall.

“The innocence of the last 30 years is now over,” he added, calling for a shift in Europe’s defense priorities.

Macron’s comments highlighted the need for “new budgetary choices” and further investment in French defense. “Whatever happens, we must equip ourselves more,” he emphasized.

While he did not specify details, Macron called on the government, political forces, and trade unions to contribute proposals that reflect the new security reality. “The solutions of tomorrow cannot be the habits of yesterday,” he concluded.

Earlier, French President Emmanuel Macron described the threat posed by Russia as one that “affects the countries of Europe, it affects us,” and accused Russia of escalating the war in Ukraine into a global issue.