EBN- French President Emmanuel Macron said European countries need to agree on a “massive defence” plan because of uncertainty over continued US support for NATO.
In response to questions from social media users, Macron pointed out that there is “concern among Europeans about the resumption of talks between Russia and the United States on Ukraine, as well as uncertainty about Washington’s continued support for NATO, which is demanding that the European Union contribute more to its security.
We need a strategy for 5 to 10 years, and for us Europeans to do more to relieve this part of the burden from the Americans and to be more independent,” Macron said.
He added, “This strategic awakening must lead to a decision on a massive defense plan and massive investments in Europe, and we must take these strategic decisions in the coming weeks, as well as the decision to accelerate the development of the economy and technology, because this is also a factor in our independence.”
“It’s about investing more money in European defence establishments and giving them priority in procurement,” Macron explained. Speaking about France, he called for “strengthening cybersecurity measures, tightening security on social networks, and protecting against external interference in coordination with other European countries.”
Macron also said: “We must be a strong European pillar within NATO, which I hope will remain united.”
US House Speaker Mike Johnson said on Thursday that US allies in Europe have realised the need to end the conflict in Ukraine, which has gone on “for far too long”.
The Economist magazine said in a report on Thursday that the European Union is witnessing its “darkest week” since the fall of the Iron Curtain.
The emergency meeting on Ukraine concluded earlier, without any decisions, a closing statement or a press conference by Macron, who organized the meeting.
The Financial Times revealed that the meeting witnessed sharp differences between the participating European countries regarding sending troops to Ukraine.
