Emmanuel Macron returned to the historic Parisian University of La Sorbonne after a seven-year absence, where he launched his programmatic speech for Europe in 2017. Today, with two wars that have disrupted the world balance, the French president is back at La Sorbonne with a new political manifesto. In his speech, Macron asserted that “Europe can die if it doesn’t become a military power and focus more on growth.”
Facing both external enemies and internal political opposition, Macron has taken a more aggressive stance in his speech. He advocated for Europe to become better equipped militarily to counter threats from “unscrupulous regional powers” such as China and Russia. Macron also emphasized the importance of economic competitiveness and urged for a revival of the economy to prevent Europe from falling behind global competitors.
In addition to military and economic concerns, Macron addressed the issue of nationalism and anti-European sentiments within the continent. He warned against complacency and urged pro-Europeans to stand up against those who do not respect the rules of the European Union. Macron concluded his speech by urging boldness and audacity in the face of rising nationalist sentiments across Europe.
Macron’s speech at La Sorbonne signaled a shift towards a more assertive and proactive European Union, with a focus on strengthening defense capabilities, promoting economic growth, and combating nationalist tendencies. The French president’s words served as a rallying cry for a united Europe that is ready to face the challenges of the future.