As the international community continues to grapple with the complexities of the Ukraine crisis, French President Emmanuel Macron is making a concerted effort to position himself at the forefront of the peace push. Having lost his parliamentary majority in the July elections, Macron has been focused on the international scene, seeking to leverage his country’s diplomatic and military clout to reassert Europe’s role in negotiations over Ukraine’s future. As the only nuclear-armed nation in the European Union, France wields significant influence, and Macron is intent on harnessing this power to drive the peace process forward.
In a televised address to the French people on Thursday evening, Macron acknowledged the need for swift action to resolve the situation in Ukraine, emphasizing that “the path to peace cannot be achieved by abandoning Ukraine.” He also took aim at US President Donald Trump’s recent tariff hikes, describing them as “incomprehensible” and warning that they would not go unchallenged. This statement came on the eve of an extraordinary European summit in Brussels, where leaders will gather to discuss the ongoing crisis and the way forward.
Macron’s message was clear: the moment demands unprecedented decisions, and increased defense spending will require reforms, elections, and courage. However, he ruled out tax hikes to finance the additional defense investments, opting instead to explore alternative funding options. The French president also addressed the possibility of sharing France’s nuclear defense capabilities with other EU partners, stating that “whatever happens, the final decision will rest with the head of state.” This comments comes as Macron seeks to navigate the complex web of European alliances and rivalries, with some nations, like Hungary, maintaining close ties with Russia.
The televised address was a carefully crafted message, recorded earlier in the day, as Macron received his Hungarian counterpart, Viktor Orban, at the Elysée Palace. The meeting aimed to bring the two leaders closer together ahead of the Brussels summit, where Orban’s stance on Russia is likely to be a key point of contention. As the meeting between Macron and Orban continued, the French presidency remained tight-lipped about the progress of the discussions, fueling speculation about the potential outcome of the summit.
Macron’s role as intermediary has taken on added significance following the tumultuous meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Trump at the White House last Friday. The French president has spoken with both leaders, reiterating his determination to work towards a lasting peace in Ukraine. He also welcomed Zelenskyy’s willingness to reengage with Trump, and proposed a one-month ceasefire in Ukraine, arguing that this would provide a tangible opportunity to assess the situation on the ground.
The prospect of deploying European troops to Ukraine, with France and the UK potentially participating, remains a topic of discussion, albeit in a secondary phase. Paris and London are seeking assurances from Washington that the contingent would be protected in the event of a Russian attack. However, Macron has made it clear that this is not a short-term possibility, emphasizing that “there will be no European troops on Ukrainian soil in the coming weeks.” His foreign minister, Jean-Noël Barrot, echoed this sentiment, stressing that a ceasefire is a prerequisite for any further action.
As the Brussels summit gets underway, Macron is pushing for swift conclusions and a decisive investment in European defense. Citing Russia’s significant military spending, he argued that Europe must prepare for the challenges ahead, setting a target of 3-3.5% of GDP for defense expenditure. This ambitious goal is likely to be a major point of discussion, with many EU member states, including Spain, struggling to reach even the current 2% target. Macron has suggested that existing structural funds and programs could be repurposed to finance the European rearmament, but the path forward remains uncertain. One thing is clear, however: the outcome of the Brussels summit will have far-reaching implications for the future of European security and the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.