Macron urges EU to step up and act as a global power

French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday delivered a forceful message to Europe’s leaders and publics that the continent can no longer afford to rely passively on others for its security, economic resilience and influence in global affairs. Macron argued that a combination of shifting geopolitical dynamics — including rising tensions with both the United States and China, ongoing war in Ukraine and strategic competition over technology and trade — has created what he called a moment of reckoning for the European Union.In interviews with European newspapers and during public discussions ahead of a key EU summit, he urged the EU to seize what he described as a “Greenland moment,” referring to recent frictions with the US that highlight broader uncertainties in trans-Atlantic relations. Macron warned that these disputes underscore a risk that Europe could be squeezed between great powers unless it builds its own capacity and asserts itself more confidently on the world stageAt the same time, Macron did not shy away from the reality that his vision faces resistance within the EU. Some member states remain cautious about deeper fiscal alignment and joint debt issuance, preferring instead to focus on completing the single market and expanding trade deals while maintaining fiscal discipline. The differing priorities among EU capitals highlight the difficulty of achieving consensus on a more integrated and assertive European role in global affairs. Nevertheless, Macron stressed that indecision or reliance on external powers risks leaving Europe strategically exposed.In addition to economics, Macron has repeatedly emphasised that security must be a central pillar of Europe’s bid to be seen as a world power. In recent speeches and interviews — including remarks on hybrid threats from Russia and broader global instability — he has argued that defence policy and military capability need to be elevated on Europe’s agenda. While some of these themes build on longstanding debates within the EU about defence cooperation, Macron’s interventions are notable for their sense of urgency and for framing the issue in stark terms: that Europe faces real risk if it remains too dependent on the United States for securityAnalysts say Macron’s push reflects a broader unease in parts of Europe about the reliability of long-standing alliances and about the bloc’s ability to navigate a world marked by geopolitical competition and fragmentation. Whether Europe can translate this rhetoric into tangible institutional change remains a central question. Resistance among member states to deeper fiscal integration, lingering economic disparities within the EU, and differing threat perceptions among capitals mean that achieving consensus on a bold new strategic direction will be challenging. Yet Macron’s intervention has helped to sharpen the debate about Europe’s role in the world and has Overall, Macron conveys a clear message to Europe that the era of assuming that others will shape the world for the EU’s benefit is over, and only by acting collectively and assertively can Europe hope to protect its interests, influence global outcomes and secure its place as a recognised world power.