Macron: Our Europe may die – Spokesperson

French President Emmanuel Macron said that Europe has not been militarily assertive enough and has fallen behind the world arms race.

Macron gave a speech on the theme of “Europe” at Sorbonne University before the European Parliament (EP) elections to be held on June 6-9. Macron, whom the opponents accused of “using the presidential seat for an election campaign” referring to this speech, discussed issues such as changing international conditions, the war in Ukraine, the security and defense of the continent, and gave the message of a “more sovereign and stronger” Europe.

In the context of strategic risks and transformations in the international system, Macron said, “Our Europe is mortal, it may die,” and called for a struggle to ensure unity and power in Europe.

Macron noted that Russia’s failure to win the Ukrainian war was a “condition” for Europe’s security and argued that a “true autonomous strategy” should be carried out against Russia.

On the other hand, Macron stated that Europe was “too slow and not assertive enough” in the face of increasing armament around the world, and stated that he would take action with his European partners to build a concept called “Reliable European Defense”.

Meanwhile, hundreds of activists protesting Macron’s coming to Sorbonne University gathered in Pantheon Square. The police took intense security measures against the protesters who chanted slogans such as “Macron, shut up, the Sorbonne is not yours”.

The activists, who marched with Palestinian flags and “Free Palestine” slogans in the area surrounded by the police, also protested Israel’s attacks on Gaza.