French President Emmanuel Macron has called on European nations to establish a continental defense force within NATO that would be more autonomous and capable of self-defense.
“Europeans should be able to take responsibility for being independent and self-sufficient,” Macron stated during a joint press conference with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in Paris on Monday.
He elaborated, “The idea is to have a European force that is more independent, capable of defending itself, the Alliance, and the EU.”
Macron also emphasized that such a force would enhance cooperation between NATO and EU countries. He pointed out that NATO allies are at a “strategic turning point,” with the return of war to Europe following Russia’s aggressive actions.
The French President highlighted NATO’s crucial role in collective deterrence, uniting all its allies. He affirmed France’s commitment to addressing Ukraine’s urgent needs, pledging steadfast and resolute support.
“We need to send a strong message to Washington about integrating Ukraine into NATO’s activities,” Macron added. He mentioned that burden-sharing in security will be a topic of discussion at the upcoming NATO Summit in Washington, DC, scheduled for July 9-11.
Secretary General Stoltenberg praised France’s leadership within NATO, acknowledging its key role in various defense operations. “Since NATO’s founding, France has made vital contributions to our shared security and collective defense,” he said.
Stoltenberg identified support for Ukraine as the most urgent task for the Washington summit. “More support for Ukraine will be our most pressing issue. Allies have provided unprecedented support since Russia’s full-scale invasion, but recent gaps and delays have had real consequences on the battlefield,” he stated.
He stressed the need to provide Ukraine with predictability and accountability to defend itself, noting that he expects NATO allies to agree on coordinating and providing security assistance and training for Ukraine at the summit. “Our support is about ensuring Ukraine can uphold its right of self-defense, as enshrined in the UN Charter,” he added.
Macron has consistently argued for Europe to reduce its dependence on the US for defense. “We cannot rely on others to defend us, whether on land, at sea, underwater, in the air, in space, or in cyberspace. Our European defense must advance,” he asserted shortly after Russia’s assault on Ukraine in 2022.
Currently, collective defense in Europe is primarily a responsibility of NATO.
