Synopsis
French President Emmanuel Macron is advocating for increased defense expenditures among Europeans to ensure safety and support collaborative initiatives aimed at establishing enduring peace. His discussions with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky highlight the necessity for autonomous European decisions in response to shifting geopolitical dynamics.Key Takeaways
- Macron urges higher European defense spending.
- Focus on lasting peace negotiations involving Ukraine.
- European autonomy in defense is essential.
- Support for Ukraine remains a priority for EU leaders.
- Collective security requires European leadership.
Paris, Feb 21 (NationPress) French President Emmanuel Macron has called on Europeans to enhance defence spending to secure their own safety and support united European initiatives aimed at establishing a robust and enduring peace.
On X, his social media platform, Macron communicated on Thursday evening about his discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky regarding Europe's collaborative peace efforts during their fourth phone call within a week, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
The dialogue was intended to evaluate all the engagements he has had with European allies eager to pursue a stable and lasting peace for Ukraine and fortify Europe's security, as noted by the French President.
This phone conversation followed a productive meeting that Zelensky held with Keith Kellogg, the US special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, in Kyiv.
Macron also indicated that his exchange with Zelensky was preparation for his upcoming visit to Washington next Monday.
Prior to his discussion with Zelensky, Macron participated in an online interview where he emphasized that Europe aspires to a sustainable peace in Ukraine that complies with international law.
Such peace, he asserted, “must not be negotiated without the Ukrainians, as it concerns them, nor without Europeans at the table, as it affects our collective security.”
“We should allocate more resources and allocate them effectively towards European defence, making prompt decisions at both national and EU levels to boost our autonomy and strength, as our security is at risk,” Macron stated during the livestreamed interview.
He acknowledged that while European allies have reinvested in defence in recent years, many still heavily depend on the United States.
However, Washington has indicated that Europe is no longer its priority.
“We must accept this reality,” Macron remarked, adding that “this new era will compel us to make choices.”
He clarified that France has no plans to deploy troops in Ukraine but remains dedicated to negotiating a sustainable peace.
Nevertheless, he noted that France and its allies could contribute to guaranteeing Ukraine's security once a peace deal is achieved.
Following the recent high-level dialogues between US and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia, European leaders remain divided. However, many have recognized that the priority is to bring Europeans to the negotiation table.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz affirmed Zelensky's legitimacy as Ukraine's democratically elected leader, while Defence Minister Boris Pistorius insisted that Europe must make autonomous decisions in response to evolving geopolitical dynamics.
“Our strategy is to maintain dialogue with the US President to ensure the European voice is heard in these negotiations,” stated French Minister Delegate for European Affairs Benjamin Haddad on French television channel LCI.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda reiterated his country’s support for Ukraine.
“The world has transformed, the geopolitical rules have altered, but at this moment, it is crucial to understand that we can express anger, we can hold differing opinions, but we will not change the world this way,” Nauseda commented.
Slovenian State Secretary for International Affairs Vojko Volk emphasized that the EU must enhance its resilience or risk losing geopolitical significance.
“Europe's security must involve European leadership,” urged Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, calling for Europeans to take on greater responsibility for the continent's defence and security.
Over the past three years, the EU has allocated 135 billion euros ($146.5 billion) to Ukraine's defence, according to official EU statistics.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted the bloc’s financial commitment, stressing Europe's essential role in shaping Ukraine's future and ensuring it is not sidelined in critical negotiations.
