In Sweden, Emmanuel Macron pleads for a stronger Defense Europe
On an official visit to Sweden, Emmanuel Macron pleaded for a stronger Defense Europe, a few days before a decisive European Council for the future of financial support for Ukraine.
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The French president upon his arrival at Karlberg Castle in Stockholm, January 30, 2024. AFP - PONTUS LUNDAHL
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With our correspondent in Stockholm,
Carlotta Morteo
Under the stucco of the Karlberg Military Academy, which has trained Swedish officers since 1792, Emmanuel Macron calls, in English, on Europeans to support Ukraine in the long term.
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We must be ready to act, defend and support Ukraine, whatever happens. Because there will no longer be any security architecture on our continent if Russia wins. I think we need to do a lot more. If we compare our capabilities to that of Russia today, we are not up to par, and we are not going fast enough.
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Armament, financing, training... the context is conducive to strengthening European defense, especially since uncertainty hangs over the result of the next American elections.
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A Defense Europe is not a substitute for NATO. This is a necessity, whatever the United States decides, because it is our neighborhood. We want to choose and shape our future. It's simpler than delegating it to the great powers, even when they are our allies. Because they live on the other side of the ocean, it's sometimes easier.
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While Sweden hopes to soon be sheltered under the NATO umbrella, Emmanuel Macron assured that the French nuclear deterrent also had a European dimension.
Read alsoEmmanuel Macron expected in Sweden to discuss economic cooperation and European defense
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