Key facts
- French President Emmanuel Macron stated that fragmented national defence strategies in Europe are an 'absurdity'.
- He warned against duplicating defence capabilities and urged cross-border industrial projects.
- Macron expressed regret over the collapse of the Franco-German FCAS fighter jet project.
- He noted that France is not producing key military equipment at sufficient scale or speed.
French President Emmanuel Macron has cautioned European nations against pursuing independent national defence strategies, deeming such approaches an 'absurdity' as countries increase military spending in response to Russia's actions and U.S. pressure.
Macron's remarks, delivered in his annual address to France's armed forces, come after the recent collapse of a joint Franco-German project to develop a next-generation fighter jet. This failure highlights the industrial rivalries that could hinder Europe's collective rearmament efforts.
"Every time we create fragmentation, we may feel good in the moment, but we are creating the delays of tomorrow. Every time we pander to nationalism, in France or elsewhere, we misunderstand our own history. Patriotism, yes; nationalism, never," Macron stated.