BRUSSELS, – French President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the policies of U.S. President Donald Trump were pushing Europe to take more responsibility for its own physical and economic security.
Macron made the comments as he arrived at a gathering of European Union leaders in Brussels to discuss relations with the United States and bolstering Europe’s military defences.
The start of the summit was overshadowed by Trump declaring at the weekend that he will soon impose tariffs on imports from the EU, having just ordered similar measures on goods from Canada, Mexico and China.
Arriving leaders warned Trump against starting a trade war and said the EU would retaliate if he did so.
Macron said Trump’s policies were one of several factors pushing the EU to become less dependent on others.
“The COVID epidemic and the Russian aggression in Ukraine were moments of awakening,” Macron told reporters.
“What’s happening at this very moment today in Ukraine, what’s happening also now with the choices, the declarations of the new American administration of President Trump pushes the Europeans to be more united, more active to respond on subjects of their collective security,” he said.
This meant boosting Europe’s defence industry and buying more European arms, Macron said.
His comments reflected his vision of European “strategic autonomy”. But some other leaders stressed they wanted to continue a strong security partnership with the U.S. and other NATO alliance members and keep buying U.S. arms.
“I will advocate against imposing restrictions on arms purchases. Security is our top priority. Relations with the U.S.A., Canada, and Norway in terms of defence must remain at the forefront,” Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said.
