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French President Emmanuel Macron delivered an upbeat speech at the Munich Security Conference, stressing the need for a stronger, more united and decisive Europe in global affairs, particularly on Ukraine and the continent’s future security architecture. From the outset, Macron said he had come with “a message of hope and determination.”
"When some see threats, I see our courage; when some see doubts, I want to see opportunities, because I believe that Europe is fundamentally strong and can become even stronger ," he declared.
He noted that there have been recent attempts to sideline or criticize Europe. According to him, the continent has been depicted as an aging, slow and fragmented construct, as an over-regulated economy that shuns innovation, as a society fragile in the face of migration, and even as a space where freedom of speech is questioned. Macron said he aims to offer “a completely different perspective.”
The French president described the European Union as a radically original political construction of free and sovereign states, defending the political legacy of post-war Europe. He reiterated that the EU must function successfully if it is to remain attractive to countries aspiring to membership, including those from the Western Balkans.
Macron acknowledged that Europe needs to improve many aspects of its functioning, but stressed that internal debates must be conducted responsibly.
" Everyone should take an example from us, instead of criticizing us or trying to divide us. Let's talk about our homework behind closed doors and let's get it done ," Macron said.
Speaking about the war in Ukraine, Macron argued that Europe has significantly increased support for Kiev and built a coalition of countries ready to provide security guarantees. He criticized positions that, in his opinion, encourage Ukraine's surrender.
“ If we take the last four years, Russia, after the invasion of Ukraine, is a weakened country. When I hear some defeatist speech about Ukraine, when I hear some leaders calling on Ukraine to admit that defeat is possible, overestimating Russia in this war, this is a big strategic mistake, because this is not reality. One day, the Russians will have to face the magnitude of the crime committed in their name… but until that time comes, we will not lower our vigilance ,” he said.
He stressed that any solution must protect Ukraine, preserve European security, and not create a dangerous international precedent.
"There is no peace without the Europeans. You can negotiate without the Europeans, if you prefer, but that will not bring peace to the table," the French president declared.
According to Macron, Europe must restore diplomatic channels with Russia and draw up “rules of coexistence” for the post-war period. He recalled that in the past, important security agreements have been reached without the direct presence of Europeans at the table. He also called for broad consultations with European partners and for joint projects in the field of defense, warning that purely national solutions would lead to a waste of time and resources.
"We should be the ones who will negotiate this new security architecture for tomorrow's Europe, because our geography will not change. This is European money and it will be used for European solutions and programs ," he said, referring to funding mechanisms such as SAFE.
Macron also mentioned discussions with Germany and the United Kingdom on a new generation of long-range missiles and left open the debate on the European nuclear dimension, for which he promised clarifications in the coming weeks.
In the final part of the speech, Macron demanded that Europe show "unwavering commitment to defending its interests," also mentioning trade tariffs and territorial claims that he considered unjustified.
" If we want to be taken seriously... we must show the world our unwavering commitment to protecting our interests," he said, adding that this includes supporting Ukraine, but also responding to unfair tariffs or claims.
Macron also addressed the issue of regulating social media and the fight against disinformation. According to him, freedom of speech does not exclude regulation.
"How is it possible that the craziest and most harmful narratives can pass unchecked in our digital space? When you have freedom of speech, you have respect, you have rules – and the limit of my freedom is the beginning of your freedom," Macron declared, supporting the implementation of the EU's Digital Services Act and measures such as algorithm transparency and the one-person, one-account principle.
In the question session, Macron said Europe must “reorganize our security architecture,” which he said remained built on the logic of the Cold War. Asked why he was unwilling to send troops to Ukraine before a peace agreement, he argued that such a step would risk escalation and division within Europe.
He added that he sees no evidence that Russia is serious about peace, while continuing its attacks and demanding concessions from Kiev. According to him, the priority should be reengagement with the US, increased sanctions and measures against the Russian shadow fleet.
"I understand and fully respect the fact that this view is not ideal for you, but I think it is plausible and, in the short term, the best possible scenario ," Macron concluded./ Pamphlet
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