"Our Europe Can Die"

Seven years after his remarkable speech at the Sorbonne University in Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron warned of dangers to Europe. "There is an immense risk of being weakened or even left behind," he said in a keynote speech. "Our Europe today is mortal, it can die, and that depends solely on our decisions."

Europe is at a crossroads and must do more to compete with rapidly arming global rivals, Macron said. Europe must realize that in the face of global threats such as Russia's war in Ukraine, it is not adequately armed and that it must change its defense strategy.

Macron Proposes European Military Academy

Because the war in Ukraine is the greatest threat to European security: "The basic requirement for our security is that Russia does not win this war of aggression," he continued. He proposed the establishment of a European military academy. Europe also needs to strengthen cybersecurity and promote its own defense industry. "How can we build our sovereignty, our autonomy, if we do not take responsibility for the development of our own European defense industry?" he asked.

France's nuclear deterrent is "an essential element of the defense of the European continent," Macron explained. "Thanks to this credible defense, we can build the security guarantees that our partners across Europe expect," he emphasized.

Macron also advocated for expanding relations with the UK on defense after Brexit. Macron described Brexit as one of the "unprecedented crises" that Europe has faced in recent years. It was an "explosion" that had negative effects, leading to no one daring to suggest an exit anymore - neither from Europe nor from the Eurozone.

Macron: Not Dependent on the USA

Macron said Europe must be able to engage in dialogue with third countries and show that it is not a "vassal" of the USA. Economically, the old continent is in danger of falling behind internationally and must rethink its growth model.

Second Edition of his 2017 Speech

In 2017, the newly elected president outlined an ambitious vision for a sovereign Europe at the Sorbonne University, which garnered much attention. Macron particularly advocated for greater EU sovereignty and a common defense policy. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, these demands have gained unprecedented relevance.

However, it was clarified beforehand by the Élysée Palace that this speech should not be explicitly a campaign speech for the European elections. According to opinion polls, Macron's camp is currently far behind the right-wing populist Rassemblement National, which polls at around 30 percent. Macron's list, on the other hand, only reaches 16 to 19 percent, and lead candidate Valerie Hayer is largely unknown to the public.