Defense: Europeans flatten strategic dialogue advocated by Macron

Emmanuel Macron gave a speech on an EU defense strategy, at the Ecole Militaire, in Paris, on February 7, 2020. Francois Mori / Pool via REUTERS

Text by: Pierre Benazet

In his speech at the École de guerre, the French president advocated the opening with the countries of the European Union of a strategic dialogue with proposals that would considerably strengthen Europe's defense. A perspective that is not necessarily the priority of all EU member states.

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From our correspondent in Brussels,

The French President's proposals on arms control and, above all, nuclear deterrence have nothing to completely surprise Europeans, because similar openings had already been made by Jacques Chirac and Nicolas Sarkozy.

But the geopolitical context is different, even if with Brexit the United Kingdom defers all of its defense efforts to NATO. 21 out of 27 European Union countries belong to it and the DNA of many is resolutely turned towards the Atlantic more than towards the idea of ​​European defense, this is particularly the case in central and eastern Europe.

Read also: Emmanuel Macron ready to involve Europeans in French nuclear deterrence

On the other hand, the qualifier " obsolete " awarded to the Atlantic Alliance by Donald Trump and then the words of Emmanuel Macron on the " brain death " of NATO lead some to wonder if the United States provides a lasting guarantee to the security of Europe.

At the same time, there are more and more projects aimed at making Europe a defense, and the “geopolitical EU” is now a priority for the European Commission.

But this openness could push some to ask France to share its seat on the UN Security Council.

Also listen: Nuclear deterrence: "Macron goes a little further in affirming a European dimension"

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  • European Union
  • Emmanuel Macron
  • France
  • Defense

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