Europe avoided bearing burden of its own security, says French President Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron reiterated his call for Europe to assume more responsibility for its own defense, stating that the continent has “avoided bearing the burden of its own security for too long.”

Speaking in Paris alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Macron emphasized the need for European strategic autonomy in light of heightened global threats and shifting U.S. priorities.

Macron calls for strategic autonomy in Europe

Macron highlighted the importance of building European defense capacity, noting that the agenda of strategic autonomy would enable Europe to increase its capabilities while maintaining cooperation with non-European allies.

His comments came following the reelection of Donald Trump as U.S. President, raising concerns over potential shifts in U.S. support for NATO and Ukraine.

“Trump’s return to the White House serves as a renewed call for Europe to rethink its security measures,” Macron stated. “Nothing should be decided about Ukraine without the Ukrainians, nor about Europe without the Europeans.”

NATO Secretary General warns of rising threats

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who joined Macron in Paris, echoed the French leader’s sentiment, urging Western allies to strengthen support for Ukraine against Russia’s ongoing invasion.

Rutte expressed concern over the increasing involvement of North Korea, Iran, and China in aiding Russia’s war efforts.

“Russia’s collaboration with North Korea, Iran, and China poses a threat not only to Europe but also to the Indo-Pacific and North America,” Rutte said. He called for a united front among Europe, North America, and global partners to counter these growing threats.

“We will discuss the importance of keeping up support as Ukrainians prepare to face what could be their harshest winter since 2022… We must recommit to staying the course for the long haul,” Rutte said.

Rutte did not explicitly refer to the election of Donald Trump’s election as US president, whom some fear will move to scale down American support for Ukraine.

“We must stand together—Europe, North America, and our global partners… We have to keep our transatlantic alliance strong,” he added.

“After delivering ammunition and ballistic missiles, North Korea has now sent troops to fight and die alongside Russia in its illegal war,” Rutte said.

Iran designed and supplied drones that attacked Ukraine while “China backs Russia’s economy, enables its defense ministry, and amplifies its narrative on the world stage,” he said.

“Russia, working together with North Korea, Iran and China, is not only threatening Europe; it threatens peace and security. Yes, here in Europe, but also the Indo-Pacific and North America,” Rutte concluded.

Push for increased military aid to Ukraine

Rutte underscored the need for NATO members to go beyond simply keeping Ukraine in the fight.

He emphasized the importance of increasing military aid to raise the costs for Russian President Vladimir Putin and his allies. Rutte also highlighted the support provided by Iran’s drone technology and China’s economic backing to Russia, which he argued has intensified the conflict.

“We must do more than just keep Ukraine in the fight. We need to raise the cost for Putin and his authoritarian allies by providing the necessary support to change the trajectory of the conflict,” Rutte told reporters.