Macron calls for European security overhaul as Russia poses growing threat

French President Emmanuel Macron has warned that Russia remains a long-term threat to France and Europe, urging stronger European military capabilities as he questioned the reliability of the United States as a security partner.

In a televised address to the nation on March 5, Macron said he would open discussions on extending France’s nuclear deterrent to European allies, as concerns mount over Moscow’s growing aggression and a shift in Washington’s stance on Ukraine, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

“The United States of America, our ally, has changed its position on this war, supporting Ukraine less and leaving doubt about what comes next,” Macron said. “Russia has become, today and for a long time, a threat to France and to Europe.”

Macron’s remarks came amid heightened tensions between the EU and Russia, with Western officials warning of continued threats from Moscow. He pointed to Russia’s increasing military build-up and its alleged involvement in cyberattacks, election interference, and targeted assassinations beyond its borders.

“Russia, under President Putin, is violating our borders to assassinate opponents, manipulating elections in Romania and Moldova, organising cyberattacks against our hospitals to disrupt their operations, attempting to manipulate our opinions with lies spread on social media, and, at its core, testing our limits,” Macron said.

Macron reiterated that France’s nuclear weapons remain under the sole authority of the French president but said he would engage in strategic discussions about their role in protecting European allies.

"I have asked the government to be mobilised so that, on the one hand, it strengthens our armies as quickly as possible. And on the other hand, it accelerates reindustrialisation in all our regions. And I will gather with the competent ministers and the industrialists of the sector in the coming days," he stressed.

As part of this effort, Macron emphasised the need for new budgetary decisions and additional investments, describing them as essential. "I have asked the government to work on this as quickly as possible. These will be new investments that require mobility, to mobilise private financing, but also public financing, without taxes being increased. For this, reforms, choices, and courage will be needed."

His comments followed European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s proposal on March 4 for a "Rearm Europe Plan," which could mobilise up to €800 billion for defence spending. The proposal came just hours after Washington suspended all military aid to Ukraine, intensifying pressure on the EU to step up its own security commitments.

Note that, on March 6, European leaders will gather in Brussels for an emergency summit focused on defence and Ukraine. The meeting comes as some EU leaders engage in diplomatic efforts with Washington, with Macron holding phone calls with both former U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer have also been pushing for a post-conflict peacekeeping force in Ukraine to prevent future Russian incursions if a truce is reached. Starmer has been in discussions with Trump to reaffirm U.S. support for Ukraine, though doubts remain over Washington’s long-term commitment.

Macron warned that Europe must be prepared for the possibility that the U.S. may not always be a dependable security ally, calling for greater European strategic autonomy.

“I want to believe that the U.S. will stand by our side, but we have to be ready for that not to be the case,” he said. “It must be said, we are entering a new era.”

With the geopolitical landscape shifting rapidly, European leaders face mounting pressure to bolster defence cooperation and reduce their reliance on Washington’s military support. The outcome of summit will be closely watched as the EU grapples with the evolving security challenges posed by Russia.

By Aghakazim Guliyev