In full war in Ukraine, Emmanuel Macron clings to “European sovereignty”

The idea promoted since 2017 finds, with the Russian invasion and after the COVID-19, a concrete translation, consider the summit of the state. And represents an argument for re-election to the Presidency of the Republic.

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If the weather was not at war, Emmanuel Macron would almost go to a “cocorico”. Since the triggering of the conflict in Ukraine, on 24 February, the leaders of the European Union (EU) have a relatively unkied face facing Russia of Vladimir Putin.

Economic sanctions, weapons deliveries to Ukraine, Refugee welcoming the country … “Our Europe has shown unity and determination. She entered a new era”, boasted the President of the Republic, the 2 March, during a speech devoted to the conflict. “Europe has changed under the pandemic. She will change faster and stronger under the war,” he added, Thursday, March 10, in the preamble of an informal summit of heads of State and government gathered in Versailles, promising “historical decisions”.

This appointment, who had to be completed on Friday, was seen by the Elysee as that of the “start” and “European sovereignty”. A concept promoted for five years by Emmanuel Macron, who today finds a concrete translation, consider at the top of the state. And represents an argument for the presidential election of 10 and 24 April.

“Europe of fear”

A few weeks ago, the head of state thought to take advantage of the French Presidency of the Council of the European Union to draw a cleavage with its opponents – especially Marine Le Pen and Eric Zemmour – and present Cantor of Europe against the supporters of the nationalist decline. “Power, stimulus, belonging”: This was the slogan of this European Presidency, seen as a catalyst for the Macronian speech. Finally, the war at the gates of Europe represents a much more powerful voice. It is “Europe of fear”, according to the expression of the former President of the Republic, François Hollande.

“We see how strategic autonomy and European sovereignty are not French labies, but emergencies and imperatives in the acceleration of history,” says Clement Beaune, Secretary of State European. One can not be a power only through energy, safe and agri-food independence. On all aspects of this crisis, everyone sees that it will take European solidarity. “In order to be able to happen, eventually gas, oil and raw materials from Russia, but also to build a common defense.

In recent days, his followers do not fail to remember that Emmanuel Macron had claimed, from his speech by the Sorbonne, in September 2017, the construction of “European sovereignty” in all these areas. The Head of State has itself referred to Versailles on Thursday. “Unfortunately, it took a war so that the president’s saying since his speech from the Sorbonne to cross the reluctance of certain states, regrets the MEP (RENEW) Nathalie Loiseau. Now Germany increases its defense budget and exports Weapons. Poland, a long time hostile to solidarity between EU countries, is on the front line, welcomes refugees and benefits from European aid. It is a paradigm change. “Many disagreements still subsist nevertheless , in particular on the need to propose a new revival plan in the face of the crisis, or to continue to use or not to Russian gas.

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/Media reports.