investments in our economy, research and innovation, which have already been strengthened in light of the pandemic.” Macron then laid out an agenda for Europe: “Europe must invest more in order to decrease its dependence on other continents and to be able to decide for itself. In other words, it must become a power that is both more independent and more sovereign. First and foremost, it must become an economic power. We can no longer depend on others to feed us, take care of us, inform us or fund us. That is why, in keeping with the decisions made during the darkest days of the pandemic with the Recovery Plan for Europe, we must promote a new economic model founded on independence and progress.” Then came a discussion of energy security and defence. “[Europe] must become an energy power. When it comes to our mobility, heating and the powering of our plants, we can no longer depend on others and, in particular, on Russian gas. That is why, after deciding to develop renewable energy and build new nuclear reactors for France, I will champion an independent European energy strategy. Lastly, it must become a power for peace. We can no longer depend on others to defend us, be it on land, at sea, under the sea, in the air, in space or in cyberspace. To this end, our European defense must step up.” Soon after his election in 2017, President Macron gave a speech in which he declared that Europe should have an “autonomous capacity for action.” By that he meant that the EU should have a military force at its disposal, as well as an integrated defence policy and budget. Indeed, by 2018, former German Chancellor Angela Merkel had seemingly come round to supporting Macron’s view, and in a speech to the European Parliament in Strasbourg stated “We have to look at the vision of one day creating a real, true European army.” At the time, this European army concept was described as complementary to NATO – but much has changed since 2018. The Merkel era is over in Europe. Macron now sees himself as primus inter pares among European leaders, and believes that now is the time to embark on this “new era for Europe.” From Macron’s perspective, he The French perception is that Europe must speak with one voice and act in concert. Unfortunately, this does not happen, as different states within the EU have different foreign and economic policy priorities. Mixed messages and confusing policy positions are the result, all of which weaken the EU and limits its ability to make a difference across a whole range of policy areas that matter to Europe. To counteract these weaknesses, France has been calling for the EU to achieve strategic autonomy. An obvious example of this would be energy security: recent events have demonstrated that Europe has either knowingly or, perhaps, never even contemplating the fact that becoming energy dependent on a strategic competitor is not a very smart idea! France has already committed to increasing its energy security through enhancing its nuclear power capabilities: currently, 75% of French electricity comes from nuclear power sources, but new nuclear plant has to come online to sustain or increase this electricity generation capability. Other European states are not so fortunate in energy terms. The Macron Agenda In a televised address to the French people on 2 March, President Macron stated that the Russian invasion of the Ukraine was the start of a “new era for Europe, [continuing] War in Europe is no longer limited to our history books and our textbooks. It is here now, right before our eyes. Democracy is no longer viewed as an undisputed system. It has been called into question right before our eyes. Our freedom and the freedom of our children are no longer a given. Now more than ever, they require courage and the willingness to fight for them at all times. We must meet history’s sudden return to tragedy with historic decisions.” The phrase “historic decisions” is critical, and was the overture to a demand for more concrete actions by both France and Europe “Therefore, our country will increase investments in our defence that were decided upon in 2017 and will pursue its strategy founded on independence and 52 · MT 3/2022 Nations in Focus An Airbus A400M transport aircraft of the French Air Force. With Europe’s A400M transport fleet growing in size, the possibilities to provide the necessary airlift to support European force capable of rapid deployment start to exist. (Photo: Airbus)
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