During their meeting at the Élysée on Tuesday, November 12, Emmanuel Macron stressed to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte the need for vigorous support for Ukraine, in a context where the re-election of Donald Trump in the United States could modify the American position. “ NATO is at an important moment. We need a strong Ukraine, a strong Europe and a strong alliance », affirmed the French president, calling for the solidity of the transatlantic alliance and a strengthening of European capacities.
The Head of State also recalled that Europe must take greater control of its own protection, regretting a past trend during which it “ too long avoided carrying the burden of its own security and considered that it could receive the dividends of peace without end ». « A strong Ukraine means that support for this country remains a top priority », insisted Emmanuel Macron, whose remarks are reported by The Parisian.
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A strengthened European industrial base
In addition, Emmanuel Macron welcomed the desire of Europeans to increase their defense spending, an approach according to him essential to strengthen Europe's strategic autonomy. “ It is this agenda of European strategic autonomy which allows us to have more money and build capacities, autonomy for Europeans and an ability to cooperate within the alliance with our non-European allies. “, he said. This development should, according to him, create jobs while providing “ benefits for our societies ».
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Finally, Emmanuel Macron described “ grave escalade » the presence of North Korean troops alongside the Russian army in Ukraine, while Mark Rutte stressed the urgency of “fmore than just allowing Ukraine to fight ” and warned that the country could face ” its worst winter since 2022 ».
