During a recent speech at the Munich Security Conference, French President Emmanuel Macron urged Europe to bolster its geopolitical power and integrate French nuclear deterrence into the continent's future security framework. He stressed that the Russian threat is ongoing and that Europe must think strategically about its long-term defense posture, especially in the context of a cooperative European nuclear deterrence strategy that includes Germany.

Macron rejected the notion that Europe is in a state of decline, instead highlighting the need for the continent to combat misinformation and social media abuses that undermine Western democracies. He called for a demonstration of strength and perseverance, particularly concerning the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, indicating that now is a crucial time for Europe to display its boldness and resilience in the face of such challenges.

Furthermore, Macron articulated that Europe must prepare to respond to potential aggression from Russia, even if the war in Ukraine reaches a resolution. He emphasized that European nations must not yield to Russian demands or accept short-term agreements that fail to address fundamental issues, reinforcing the necessity for a cohesive and robust regional defense strategy.