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The countries of Europe must get rid of their naivety, otherwise they may be in danger of perishing.
French President Emmanuel Macron made such a serious warning at the Sorbonne University, writes Politico. He emphasized that if Europe wants to survive, it must show a quick reaction. "We must realize that Europe is mortal and can die. Everything depends on our choice. This choice must be made now," he said.
Macron said that Russia's hostility, lack of interest from the US and competition with China could turn the European Union into a "marginalized" community.
"The era when the EU bought energy and fertilizers from the Russian Federation, transferred its production to China and depended on the US in terms of security is over," Macron stated.
He urged European leaders to prepare for "large-scale strategic decisions" in the field of security and economy, stressing that Europe's interests now require a lot of protectionism. In this regard, Macron emphasized that European countries need to create an independent defense system so that they can do without the US.
He expressed the opinion that the armies of the EU member states do not need to unite, but they should have common goals, such as the creation of a pan-continental anti-missile shield.
In addition, he noted that China and the US "no longer respect the rules" of international trade, so it is vital that the EU fights for itself. "We can't be the only ones following the rules," he said, "we're too naive."
Macron also said that one of the biggest risks for the survival of Europe is its own demoralization. "Europe can die by itself. The risk is that we are all used to underestimating ourselves," stated the French president and called on European citizens to remember the values that made them special.
"We are not like everyone else and we should never forget that. It's not just land, it's the concept of humanity," he said.
France and Ukraine
On April 18, the leader of the French Social Democrats, Raphael Glucksmann, criticized the insufficient level of European aid to Ukraine and accused President Emmanuel Macron of "taking pleasure in talking but showing weakness in action."
And on April 24, international lawyer Oleksandr Kalinichenko analyzed the latest statements of French President Emmanuel Macron regarding the possible deployment of troops to Ukraine. He noted that such statements have both political and military-technical consequences.
