French President Emmanuel Macron stressed the importance of establishing true autonomy for Europe during a speech at a conference in Antwerp, Belgium. He highlighted that Europe must evolve into an 'independent power' able to withstand economic pressures from major global powers like China and the United States. Macron expressed concerns about Europe risking fragmentation and marginalization in the global economic landscape, urging leaders to act with a new scale and speed to address these challenges.

In his address to industry leaders, Macron underscored that the competition with the two economic superpowers cannot be effectively managed through fragmented national policies. Instead, he argued for the necessity of coordinated European action, suggesting that a unified approach would bolster Europe’s economic strategy. He highlighted the importance of working collaboratively across member states to avoid disarray in an increasingly competitive world.

One of the key proposals Macron put forward is the idea of a common European debt to facilitate significant investments in strategic sectors. This move is aimed at ensuring that Europe can finance essential initiatives collectively rather than relying on ad hoc national funding solutions. Such a strategy, according to Macron, would not only enhance Europe’s economic resilience but also signal a strong commitment to a cooperative future in the face of external economic pressures.