French President Macron warns in an interview with The Economist that Europe is in danger and that “things could collapse very quickly.” He calls the invasion of Ukraine a major threat, and says that if Russia wins in Ukraine, European security will be in ruins. “If Russia wins in Ukraine, European security will be in ruins”
Macron has not ruled out sending European troops to Ukraine, despite opposition from some allies. He calls on Europe to move away from its military dependence on the United States and to take defense more seriously.
He wants to hold an “existential” debate within a few months to create a new framework for European defense that relies less on America. Macron is even willing to extend the protection of French nuclear weapons to other European countries. The French nuclear force was developed in the 1960s precisely to stand apart from other countries.
Macron argues that a worrying industrial divide has emerged as Europe has lagged behind the United States and China in areas such as renewable energy and artificial intelligence. He accuses the US of subsidizing its crucial industries, just like China, and says Europe must respond now or risk never catching up.
Macron’s solution involves more radical changes, including doubling research spending, deregulating industry, freeing up capital markets and allowing some countries to lag behind in favor of specialization and scale in Europe.
He is particularly critical of the current system of equal distribution of subsidies and contracts. Macron sees the fragility of European politics as a major risk, looking particularly at populist nationalists like Marine Le Pen, who he believes will lead to division, decline and conflict if they come to power.
