All articles tagged with #european sovereignty
Germany’s foreign minister urged France to boost defence spending to advance European sovereignty and meet NATO targets, underscoring tensions in the Franco-German alliance as Berlin ramps up defence funding and Europe debates greater security autonomy, including the possibility of a European nuclear umbrella.
An opinion piece argues Europe should build a stronger European pillar within NATO and reduce dependence on the U.S., stressing Europe’s existing military capabilities and industrial base, the need for better resilience, and a revised ally bargain that treats Europe as an equal partner rather than a US-dependent ally.
In 2024, the European defence sector experienced a 13.8% increase in turnover to €183 billion, driven by heightened military spending and industrial growth amid geopolitical tensions, with employment reaching record levels and EU investments prioritizing sovereignty and industrial capacity.
The EU is developing a new AI strategy to promote homegrown AI technologies, reduce reliance on US and Chinese providers, and enhance its industrial and security capabilities, with a focus on sectors like healthcare, defense, and manufacturing, supported by €1bn in funding.
French President Emmanuel Macron plans to visit Greenland to reinforce European sovereignty and counteract US efforts led by Trump to take control of the island, which is rich in critical minerals and strategically significant. The visit, on June 15, aims to discuss security, climate change, and resource supply with Greenland and Danish leaders, highlighting Europe's assertion of independence amid US and Chinese competition.
French President Emmanuel Macron reiterated his earlier comments on the need for Europe to assert its sovereignty and not be a "vassal" to the US in its relations with China during a state visit to the Netherlands. Macron also expressed support for the status quo in Taiwan and a peaceful resolution to the situation. The visit was marred by protests against Macron's controversial pension reform law, with two protesters arrested for running at the French president outside Amsterdam University.
French President Emmanuel Macron was heckled by protesters during a speech on European sovereignty in the Netherlands. The protesters attacked him on the state of democracy in France and his bypassing of the French parliament over his plans to increase the legal age of retirement. Macron responded by saying that "this is democracy" and resumed his speech.
French President Emmanuel Macron begins a state visit to the Netherlands, featuring a speech on European sovereignty in security and economic matters, amid controversy over his comments on Europe's ties with the US and China. Macron will present "a doctrine of economic security" against China and the United States, amid European unease over US climate subsidies. The visit is meant to highlight a new dynamic between Paris and The Hague after the turning point of Brexit, and to seal the growing closeness between two countries that were once at opposite ends of the European spectrum on frugality and social spending.