French President Emmanuel Macron has called on Europe to urgently redefine its role on the global stage, insisting the continent must begin acting like a true world power.
Speaking ahead of a crucial European Union summit in Brussels, Macron warned that Europe faces a historic turning point. According to him, rising pressure from China, Russia, and even the United States has triggered a strategic “wake-up call” for the bloc.
“Are we ready to become a power?” Macron asked. He stressed that the question cuts across economic strength, financial independence, defence capacity, security coordination, and democratic resilience.
Moreover, Macron argued that Europe can no longer afford hesitation. While previous generations focused on peace and trade, he said the current era demands power and influence.
Push for Eurobonds and Shared European Debt
To match global competitors, Macron renewed his call for EU-wide mutualised loans, commonly referred to as eurobonds. He said Europe needs hundreds of billions of euros to fund industrial growth and strategic technologies.
“The time has come to launch a shared debt capacity to finance our future,” he stated. “Europe needs large programmes that back the strongest projects.”
However, resistance remains strong. Germany and several northern European countries have long opposed joint borrowing. Critics argue France wants Europe to absorb financial risks it has failed to manage domestically.
Macron acknowledged France’s economic shortcomings. He admitted the country never built a balanced economic model like those in northern Europe. He also praised reforms carried out by Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Greece in the 2010s, noting that they are now seeing results.
Still, he insisted that global investors increasingly demand European-backed debt instruments. According to Macron, the EU lacks the tools to meet that demand.
Dollar Fears and Europe’s Financial Opportunity
Macron claimed global markets are gradually losing confidence in the US dollar. As a result, investors are searching for stable alternatives.
“The world markets are increasingly afraid of the American greenback,” he said. “They want alternatives.”
He argued that Europe’s democratic institutions and rule of law give it a powerful advantage. In contrast, he described China as authoritarian and accused the United States of drifting away from democratic norms.
€1.2 Trillion Needed Every Year
According to Macron, the 27-member EU must invest at least €1.2 trillion annually. The funding would support defence, clean energy, artificial intelligence, and critical industries.
Furthermore, he urged Europe to better protect its industries. While rejecting full-scale protectionism, Macron called for fair competition rules.
“The Chinese protect their industries. The Americans do the same,” he said. “Europe remains the most open market in the world.”
He warned that Europe should stop imposing stricter rules on its own producers while allowing foreign competitors to operate freely.
Europe Alone, But Not Powerless
Macron painted a stark picture of Europe’s security environment. Climate change is accelerating. Russian energy supplies have collapsed. US security guarantees no longer feel certain. Meanwhile, China has become an increasingly aggressive rival.
“Today, we Europeans are on our own,” Macron said. “But we have each other.”
He emphasized that Europe’s population of 450 million people gives it enormous potential. For him, embracing power completes the European project.
“We united to stop war. We united to build a market,” he said. “But we always refused to think in terms of power.”
Warning Over US Pressure and Greenland Dispute
When asked about recent tensions with Washington over Greenland, Macron urged Europeans not to relax.
He warned that moments of calm often hide deeper threats. According to him, intimidation tactics may pause, but they rarely disappear.
“Do not believe for a single second that it’s over,” Macron cautioned.
