Paris, March 5, 2025 — In a primetime address, French President Emmanuel Macron called for a substantial enhancement of Europe’s defense capabilities, asserting that the continent can no longer “live off the dividends of peace.” This appeal comes in the wake of the United States halting military aid to Ukraine, raising concerns about Europe’s security landscape.
Macron emphasized the necessity for Europe to achieve greater autonomy in defense, stating that the future of the continent “does not depend on Washington or Moscow.” He announced plans to convene a meeting of European military chiefs in Paris next week to discuss bolstering defense strategies and reducing reliance on external powers. huffingtonpost.es
The suspension of U.S. military assistance to Ukraine follows a contentious meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during which disagreements over peace negotiations with Russia led to a breakdown in relations. This development has prompted European leaders to reassess their defense commitments and consider increasing NATO funding to between 3% and 3.5% of GDP. ft.com+4en.wikipedia.org+4cnn.com+4nypost.com
Macron also proposed extending France’s nuclear deterrent to other European nations, initiating a strategic debate on nuclear defense within the European Union. He underscored that Russia’s actions in Ukraine pose a direct threat to European stability, necessitating a unified and robust response from EU member states. youtube.com+1theguardian.com+1
As Europe confronts these evolving security challenges, Macron’s call to action signifies a pivotal moment in the pursuit of a more self-reliant and fortified European defense posture.