The French president recruited European leaders to a meeting in Brussels and urged an increase in defense spending.
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French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Wednesday, March 5, that he will convene a meeting of European armed forces chiefs in Paris next week, as part of his efforts to strengthen Europe's defense against perceived threats such as Russia.
In a televised speech, Macron warned that Europe is entering a "new era" and highlighted the need to increase defense spending. He noted that, although he hopes the United States will remain an ally, Europe must be prepared in case the North American country stops supporting it.
Macron also referred to the possibility of France using its nuclear deterrent to protect the European continent in case of serious threats, given that France is the only European Union member with significant nuclear weapons capability.
El francés a su vez, coqueteó con la posibilidad de no seguir contando con el apoyo estadounidense
He described Russia as a "threat to France and Europe", whose aggressive behavior "seems to have no boundaries."
The French president proposed opening a strategic debate on the protection of European allies through the use of nuclear weapons, making it clear that the decision on the use of these weapons will rest exclusively with the President of France.
The leader also indicated that if a peace agreement is reached in Ukraine, European military forces could be deployed to ensure the treaty is respected, although he would not send troops to the front line at this time. The mission would be to ensure the effective implementation of the peace agreement in the future.
Regarding defense spending, Macron emphasized that France must recognize its "special status" as the ''nation with the most efficient and effective army'' in Europe, in addition to being the only nuclear power in the region.
Francia se posiciona como la mayor potencia nuclear europea
Macron stated that a new investment model will be developed to finance defense without the need to increase taxes, and that this financing will be based on the mobilization of public and private resources.
The president also highlighted that EU leaders will meet in Brussels on Thursday to discuss increasing military spending and ensuring that Europe can produce its own armaments. This "extraordinary" summit will also address support for Ukraine and European defense in general.
Macron expressed his concern about the relationship with the United States, especially after President Donald Trump suspended intelligence cooperation with Ukraine and paused military assistance.
In this context, Macron declared: "I want to believe that the United States will be by our side, but we must be prepared for it not to be so." He also commented on the tariffs that Trump has threatened to impose on European products.
Macron expresó preocupación por la advertencia de aranceles de Trump
On a diplomatic level, Macron indicated that France, along with the United Kingdom, is working on a peace plan for Ukraine, which is expected to be presented to the United States.
A partial truce is being negotiated, which could include a cessation of air and maritime attacks, as well as a ceasefire on energy infrastructure, although it would not affect ground combat. This plan would have the support of France, the United Kingdom, and other countries willing to participate.
Finally, Macron emphasized that Russia can't be taken seriously, pointing out that it was Russia that began the invasion of Ukraine in 2014, despite the Minsk ceasefire agreements.
Regarding the situation with the United States, the French president said that his country will continue working with European allies and Ukraine to sign a "solid, verifiable, and lasting" peace agreement.
Junto con Reino Unido, Francia prepara un plan para un alto al fuego en Ucrania
