French President Emmanuel Macron has delivered a rallying cry for Europe to abandon its submissive posture in the face of radical global realignments. Addressing outlets like El Pais, Germany’s Suddeutsche Zeitung, Financial Times, and Le Monde, he emphasized that bending to US and other geopolitical giants is a failed approach.
‘Wake up, Europe,’ Macron implored. ‘Decide our fate, or be washed away.’ He described the current landscape as a ‘deep geopolitical frenzy,’ posing severe disruptions to commerce and security amid flux in relations with China and the US.
Proactive measures are essential, Macron stressed: derisk, reduce reliance, and act decisively before crises strike. Remaining mere bystanders risks subjugation, akin to the eye-opening ‘Greenland moment’ signaling America’s diverted attentions from NATO allies.
While acknowledging Europe’s robustness, Macron faulted its delayed reactions. He called for bolstered ‘common leadership’ to cement the continent’s superpower status. Successful models include the Franco-British ‘Coalition of the Willing’ for Ukraine, enabling strong, self-driven alliances in defense and beyond.
Unexpectedly, Macron floated reopening talks with Russia on Europe’s terms – prudently, sans Ukrainian pressure or external mediators. ‘Our interests aren’t for surrender, not to the US or others,’ he affirmed.
This intervention underscores a pivotal moment: Europe must forge unity and resolve to navigate the turbulent geopolitics ahead, transforming warnings into action.