Macron’s remarks coincide with the dilemma European nations are facing in light of the potential return of Donald Trump to the White House, with the former NATO-skeptic president in the running to secure the Republican nomination. In the U.S., the approval of further military assistance for Ukraine is currently at a standstill in Congress, as Republican lawmakers are hesitant to continue funding Kyiv. Ukraine has been resisting Russian President Vladimir Putin’s all-out invasion for almost two years now.
“This is a critical and challenging moment for Europe. We must be prepared to take action to defend and support Ukraine no matter what it entails and regardless of America’s decision,” Macron stated during a speech at Sweden’s Military Academy Karlberg.
Leading up to a major European summit this week centered on Ukraine, Macron also emphasized that the EU needs to “expedite the magnitude” of its assistance, as the costs “of a Russian triumph are too steep for all of us.”
EU leaders aspire to reach an agreement on a €50 billion aid package for Ukraine at an upcoming European Council summit this Thursday, but concerns are mounting that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán may veto the allocation for Kyiv.
Macron is presently in Sweden for a two-day visit to discuss collaboration in fields ranging from energy to defense. French Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu and his Swedish counterpart Pål Jonson are anticipated to sign letters of intent on air defense and air surveillance systems.
France and Sweden are among the few European countries equipped with extensive defense industries capable of producing their own fighter jets — France’s Rafale by Dassault Aviation, and Sweden’s JAS 39 Gripen made by Saab.
“We both have a very robust production model,” Macron informed the audience, enumerating equipment, weapons, missiles, and ammunition. He also mentioned that cyber and space are “clearly two areas of conflict for the future where there is much to collaborate on.”
Macron added that the partnership between the French and Belgian armies, known as CaMo, could serve as a blueprint for a similar collaboration between France and Sweden.
