French President Emmanuel Macron is poised to unveil his vision for a more assertive European Union (EU) in a speech scheduled for Thursday. This address comes at a crucial time, ahead of pivotal European Parliament elections in June, and will likely delve into the strategic and geopolitical challenges facing Europe, with a specific focus on defense, economy, environmental protection, and preserving democracy.
Advisers to the French president have indicated that Macron will prioritize discussing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which is now entering its third year. France has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine’s resistance against Russian aggression, with Macron advocating for unwavering European solidarity with the country. His recent proposal to deploy Western troops to bolster Ukraine’s defenses sparked controversy among European leaders, underscoring Macron’s assertive stance on the issue.
As a staunch European, Macron is also anticipated to rally support for his centrist Renaissance party ahead of the European Parliament elections scheduled for June 6-9. In the 2022 elections, Macron lost his majority in France’s most influential house of parliament, the National Assembly, to a coalition of far-left and far-right parties. Notably, the social situation in France remains tense as Paris prepares to host the Olympic Games this summer. In recent weeks, there have been protests by teachers, police officers, and farmers. These protests follow significant demonstrations last year against Macron’s ultimately successful proposal to raise the retirement age.
