Macron Calls for European Defense Unity as Russian Threat Intensifies

The French president's stark warning highlights Europe's need for military independence amid shifting global alliances.

Emmanuel Macron's recent address emphasized the growing threat posed by Russia and the need for Europe to bolster its defense capabilities.
Macron's rhetoric has drawn both support and criticism, with 77% of French citizens agreeing that Russia's policies threaten peace, though many oppose deploying troops to Ukraine.
The French president has been pushing for a stronger European defense strategy since 2018, a stance now gaining traction among European leaders despite some dissent from Hungary and Italy.
Macron's strategy includes increasing France's military budget and urging European nations to prioritize local defense industries over reliance on the U.S.
The speech comes as geopolitical tensions rise, with Donald Trump's return to the U.S. presidency and his contrasting approach to the conflict adding complexity to Europe's position.