Macron describes Trump’s return as "electroshock" for Europe’s security strategy

Emmanuel Macron has called Donald Trump’s return to the White House an "electroshock" that should propel Europe to secure its own future and that of Ukraine.

In an interview at the Élysée Palace, cited by Financial Times, following Trump’s agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin to pursue peace talks, the French president emphasized the urgency of Europe strengthening its defence and economy, per Caliber.Az.

Macron insisted that Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy must be the sole negotiator for his country, stressing that any "peace that is a capitulation" would be detrimental for all parties, including the US.

“The only question now is whether President Putin is truly and credibly willing to agree to a ceasefire,” Macron said. “After that, it’s up to the Ukrainians to negotiate with Russia. We must all remain collectively vigilant.”

Macron has long argued that Europe needs to take greater responsibility for its security, which requires greater economic independence and a reduction in reliance on both the US and China. He viewed Trump’s return as a jolt, compelling the EU to accelerate its defence, economic, and technological revitalization. This, he said, means moving away from the fiscal and monetary framework established by the EU in 1992, which he deemed "obsolete."

“This is Europe’s moment to accelerate and act,” Macron stated. "It has no choice — it’s running out of time.”

While many European leaders reacted sharply to Trump’s discussions with Putin about ending the war in Ukraine, Macron appeared less alarmed. Having spoken with Trump earlier, he said he was "not surprised" by the US president’s move. Macron considered it an opportunity for a negotiated solution, with everyone needing to play their part.

He described the US role as initiating the dialogue and bringing an "element of strategic disruption." However, Macron emphasized that it was Zelenskyy who would determine "territorial and sovereignty issues." Meanwhile, the international community, with Europe playing a specific role, must discuss security guarantees and the broader security framework for the region.

For Europe to undergo the “strategic wake-up” Macron calls for, he said the EU must both strengthen its defence capabilities and revive its stagnant economic growth. This could be achieved through deregulation and greater economic integration in areas such as capital markets and energy.

Macron argued that Europe should build its defence capacity to act independently, even without US involvement. However, despite the ongoing war in Ukraine, progress within the European defence industry has been slow. European defence companies remain fragmented, and national defense companies often hinder joint development programs or cross-border mergers that could create a unified European defence industry.

Macron also called for Europe to reduce reliance on US weaponry, urging EU countries to purchase the Franco-Italian SAMP-T air defence system, which he argued was superior to the US-made Patriot system currently used by several European nations.

Macron acknowledged that strengthening Europe’s defence might take "five to 10 years," a timeline that could outlast his presidency, which ends in 2027. With rising populist and far-right movements in France and across Europe, Macron faces challenges in rallying support for an expansion of the EU’s influence over national affairs.

By Tamilla Hasanova