Ever since he was first elected in 2017 Mr Macron has pushed the idea of European “strategic autonomy”. For years it was brushed aside politely by France’s Atlanticist neighbours as fanciful Gaullist grandeur,

Emmanuel Macron announced plans to double defence spending by 2027, as he warned Europe’s liberty is facing a “greater threat” than at any time since World War Two.He pledged to increase France’s military budget three years earlier in response to a complex geopolitical moment.

Now more than ever, it is important to remember that the security, freedom and future of Europe are closely linked to the fate of Ukraine. That is why, together with our partners, we continue to support the Ukrainian people,

French President Emmanuel Macron is set to deliver a speech about his vision for Europe's role on the world stage on April 25, 2024, with European Parliament elections on the horizon.

→ Emmanuel Macron on Europe’s fragile place in a hostile world; From the November 9th 2019 edition. Discover stories from this section and more in the list of contents.