Macron urges Europe to start acting like world power
In a series of exclusive interviews with a group of major European newspapers—including Le Monde, The Financial Times, El País, The Economist, and Süddeutsche Zeitung—President Emmanuel Macron issued a stark "wake-up call" to the continent on Tuesday, 10 February 2026.
Ahead of an EU leaders' summit in Brussels, Macron warned that if Europe does not decide to become a genuine global power, it risks being "swept away" within the next five years.
The "Greenland Moment" and Geopolitical Rupture
Macron characterized the current era as a "Greenland moment," referring to recent diplomatic tensions where U.S. President Donald Trump allegedly used threats and tariffs to pressure Denmark over the annexation of Greenland.
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U.S. Instability: Macron argued that the U.S. is "pulling further and further from a state of law" and can no longer be seen as an eternal guarantor of European security.
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The "Cowardly Relief" Warning: He cautioned Europeans not to feel relieved just because Washington occasionally backs down from threats. "There are threats and coercion, and then Washington gives way... Don't believe it for a single second," he warned.
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A Dual Crisis: The continent faces a "commercial tsunami" from China and "split-second instability" from the American side.
The €1.2 Trillion Economic Blueprint 💶
Macron called for a massive, joint European investment of €1.2 trillion ($1.4 trillion) per year to rebuild critical industries and challenge the dominance of the U.S. dollar.
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Eurobonds for the Future: He renewed his push for "mutualised" EU debt—joint borrowing facilities—to fund high-tech sectors like Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, and Renewable Energy.
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European Preference: Macron advocated for "mirror clauses" and a "European preference" in strategic supply chains (automotive, chemicals, and defense) to protect local producers from foreign competition that ignores WTO rules.
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The Investment Gap: Drawing on the 2024 Draghi Report, he noted that failing to use the EU’s under-indebted capacity during a global technological race is a "profound mistake."
A Structured Approach to Russia
In a move likely to spark debate among Eastern European allies, Macron revealed that technical dialogue channels with Moscow have been restored.
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Ending Delegation: He argued that Europe must not delegate its security discussions to the U.S. "Whether we like Russia or not, it will still be there tomorrow," he told Süddeutsche Zeitung.
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Mandated Dialogue: He proposed a "well-organized European approach" to future talks with Vladimir Putin, ensuring Europe has a seat at the table without being naive or pressuring Ukraine.
