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French President Emmanuel Macron said Russia's invasion of Ukraine and U.S. President Donald Trump's policies were pushing Europe to take greater responsibility for its own physical and economic security, ahead of a meeting of EU leaders in Brussels, Reuters reports.
According to him, Trump's policies are one of several factors pushing the EU to become less dependent on others.
“The COVID epidemic and Russian aggression in Ukraine have become moments of awakening. What is happening at this very moment today in Ukraine, what is also happening now with the election, the declarations of the new American administration of President Trump, is pushing Europeans to be more united, more active in responding to the issues of their collective security,” Macron emphasized.
The French President noted that this indicates the strengthening of the European defense industry and the purchase of more European weapons.
“His comments reflect his vision of European ‘strategic autonomy.’ But some other leaders have stressed that they want to continue a strong security partnership with the United States and other members of the NATO alliance and continue to buy American weapons,” Reuters noted.
In particular, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said that he would oppose the introduction of restrictions on weapons purchases.
“Security is our priority. Defense relations with the United States, Canada, and Norway must remain at the forefront,” the politician said.
At the same time, Belgium's new Prime Minister Bart de Wever stressed that Europe had been "a bit lazy on defense," but Russian President Vladimir Putin had "woke us up."
“We must maintain relations with the United States. Strengthening European defense… in partnership with the transatlantic alliance is the right way,” he stressed.
Trump's policy towards Europe - latest news
Earlier, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said that Donald Trump would face a "tough response" if he imposed tariffs on imports from the EU. According to her, this would affect employees and companies in the US, Europe, Canada and other countries involved.
Meanwhile, US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz stressed that Trump will pressure European countries that do not increase defense spending. He noted that it is time for Europe to demonstrate its commitment to NATO by increasing its spending to at least 5 percent of GDP.
