Photo: Getty Images
French President Emmanuel Macron said the United States is gradually distancing itself from some allies and freeing itself from international rules, warning of dangerous shifts in the global order and urging Europe to boost its strategic independence.
Speaking at his annual address to French ambassadors on January 8 at the Élysée Palace, Macron stated that the system of multilateral cooperation is in crisis and international institutions are functioning “increasingly poorly.” He warned that major powers are tempted to divide the world among themselves and noted growing “neo-colonial aggressiveness” in diplomacy.
Macron also stressed that Europe’s technological sovereignty is under pressure from the United States. He called for defending and strengthening EU digital regulations such as the DSA and DMA and highlighted the development of a “European democratic shield.” He urged faster introduction of European trade preferences and deeper integration of the EU capital market to ensure Europe remains a real and powerful player.
Referring to Ukraine, Macron reiterated Europe’s firm commitment to supporting Kyiv and strengthening European defense capabilities. He emphasized that Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine remains a key source of instability in Europe and forces European countries to rethink their security strategies. He again called for accelerating the creation of a common European defense, saying this process will gain additional momentum in 2026.
