We are entering a new era. Russia is a real threat to Europe and knows no borders. Ukraine must not be abandoned. There is a global conflict.

This is what French President Emmanuel Macron said in an address to the nation.

"We are entering a new era. Our generation will not be able to live on peace dividends alone. It is up to us to sow the seeds for the future," Macron said, insisting that France had made the right choice by supporting Ukraine over the past three years. He warned that the US had "changed its position" on the war in Ukraine, while at the same time imposing heavy trade tariffs on European goods.

Europe's security under Russian threat

"It is not only the people of Ukraine who are fighting for their freedom. Our security is under threat. If a country can invade its neighbour in Europe and go unpunished... peace can no longer be guaranteed on our own continent. History has taught us that the Russian threat is real and affects European countries. Ukraine has become a global conflict," Macron said, pointing out that Moscow is interfering in elections across Europe, manipulating public attitudes and destroying the security system.

Macron called for steps to be taken to ensure the security of France, Europe and Ukraine. "The road to peace cannot be achieved by abandoning Ukraine. Faced with this dangerous world, it would be madness to remain spectators," he said, pointing out that Russia could not be trusted.  He questioned who can guarantee that Russia will stop in Ukraine and not continue to Poland.

The French head of state also announced a meeting of European army chiefs of staff in Paris next week ready to guarantee future peace in Ukraine. A meeting of the leading companies in the European defence industry will also take place in a few days.

A just and lasting peace in Ukraine

"We cannot forget that Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in 2014 and we negotiated a ceasefire under the Minsk agreements. France will continue to meet with its allies with the aim of signing a "lasting, solid and verifiable peace agreement," Macron continued. He believes a ceasefire would be "too fragile" and would not be respected by the Russians

The French head of state added that he was working with European partners and Ukraine on the plan in question and that he had gone to "advocate" for it when he visited the White House with Donald Trump last week.

"I would like to believe that the US will stand by our side, but we must be prepared for that not to be the case," Emmanuel Macron noted.

He pointed out that EU leaders will meet at an emergency summit in Brussels on Thursday, 6 March, to agree on an increase in military spending and to ensure that arms in sufficient quantities can be produced in Europe.

European nuclear umbrella and urgent rearmament

"A decision will be taken on massive joint funding for the production of munitions, tanks, weapons and equipment on European soil. A Europe of defence is becoming a reality. EU countries will be able to increase their military spending without it counting as part of their deficit. They must strengthen their defence and reinforce their independence," Macron said.

France must recognise its "special status" as a country with "the most effective and efficient army in Europe", as well as having nuclear weapons, he insisted. Macron will ask the French government to work on a new investment that will allow it to mobilise private and public funding without raising taxes.

"Our nuclear deterrent helps us," Macron said, specifying that he would launch a debate on extending the French nuclear umbrella to European partners and promising "a strategic debate on the protection of European allies." He recalled that Germany's future chancellor Friedrich Merz also called for a debate on putting the nuclear deterrent in the hands of European allies.

"France has maintained a nuclear deterrent since 1964. This deterrence must apply to all our European allies," Macron urged.

France proposes to increase defence spending and invest in enabling European countries to buy weapons and ammunition from European manufacturers. This means "re-industrialising our region. Europe must be able to defend itself better. We must arm ourselves better", Macron stressed.

The French president concluded his address to the nation with a call for French citizens to unite:

"The French nation needs you. Political decisions, military equipment, this is only one piece of the puzzle. But it will never be accomplished without solidarity."

The head of state stressed the importance of economic, technological, industrial and financial independence as a "necessity" for France. | BGNES