French President Emmanuel Macron said on February 3 that Russia's special military campaign in Ukraine and the policies of his US counterpart Donald Trump are pushing Europe to take more responsibility for its economic and defense security.
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French President Emmanuel Macron, US President-elect Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (left) at a meeting at the Elysee Palace in Paris in December 2024. (Source: Anadolu) |
The statement came as President Macron arrived in Brussels for a meeting of European Union (EU) leaders to discuss relations with the US, as well as strengthening Europe's military defense capabilities.
However, the meeting was overshadowed by President Donald Trump's announcement over the weekend that he would soon impose tariffs on imports from the EU.
Previously, Mr. Trump ordered similar tariffs on goods from Canada, Mexico and China.
EU leaders have warned the US leader against starting a trade war, saying the bloc would respond if he did.
President Macron stressed that Mr. Trump's policies are just one of many factors that are pushing the EU to reduce its dependence on outsiders.
According to Mr. Macron, “the Covid-19 pandemic and Russia's special military operation in Ukraine are also awakening factors.”
“What is happening in Ukraine right now, as well as the statements and decisions of the new administration in the United States under President Trump, are forcing Europe to be more united and more proactive in matters of collective security,” the French leader declared.
President Macron’s remarks reflected Europe’s vision of “strategic autonomy.” However, some other leaders want to maintain a close security partnership with Washington and NATO members, as well as continue to buy weapons from the United States.
“I will oppose any restrictions on arms purchases. Security is our top priority. Relations with the United States, Canada and Norway in the defense sector must always be a priority,” Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said.
In addition, new Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever admitted that Europe was “somewhat negligent” in defense matters and that Russian President Vladimir Putin “has awakened” the continent.
“We need to maintain our relationship with the United States. Strengthening European defense within the framework of the transatlantic alliance is the right path,” Mr. Wever said.
European countries have increased defense spending in recent years, especially since Russia's extraordinary military campaign in Ukraine in 2022, bringing the conflict close to the EU's borders.
President Donald Trump has said NATO members should spend 5% of their GDP on defense – a figure that no country, including the US, has yet achieved.
According to EU estimates, in 2024, countries in the bloc spent an average of 1.9% of GDP on defense, equivalent to about 326 billion euros ($334.48 billion), up 30% compared to 2021.
Source: https://baoquocte.vn/tong-thong-phap-nga-va-cac-chinh-sach-cua-my-dang-co-vu-chau-au-di-tren-con-duong-doc-lap-hon-303053.html
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