William Molinié / Photo credit: ANDREA SAVORANI NERI / NURPHOTO / NURPHOTO VIA AFP 06:26, May 31, 2023

Emmanuel Macron is expected this Wednesday in Bratislava, Slovakia for the 2023 edition of the Globsec forum, dedicated to security in Eastern and Northern Europe. This is the first time that a French head of state has been there. It will focus on the war in Ukraine and collective security on the Old Continent.

Take the reins of European defense against Russia. This is what Emmanuel Macron intends to hammer this Wednesday at the Globsec forum, dedicated to security in Eastern and Northern Europe. The French president, the first in history to participate in this meeting, will also be the only head of state invited to the rostrum to deliver a speech.

He will insist on the commitment of the France to defend the Old Continent. A position that is not theoretical, supports an adviser since 300 soldiers of the Foreign Legion are deployed in Estonia and 1,250 tricolor soldiers are in Romania, equipped with Leclerc tanks. And Rafale aircraft fly over the Baltic States daily.

Showing that Europe takes charge of its own security

Emmanuel Macron will present himself as the leader of European defense. "Military support for Ukraine is provided by the European Union and the United States, not by NATO," said one at the Elysee. The challenge for the French president is to show the whole world that Europe takes charge of its own security. Starting with its air defense and its ability to strike in depth.

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The message will be addressed to countries directly impacted by Russian aggressiveness. Including Moldova where 47 heads of state and government will meet Thursday in Chisinau, the capital, as part of the second summit of the European political community. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky could join them and appear in a family photo, already described as historic.