In a passionate address at Sorbonne University, French President Emmanuel Macron launched the European elections campaign in June, urging Europeans to make urgent decisions that could determine their future. He warned that “Our Europe is mortal today. You can die. And it depends on our decisions.”
Macron emphasized the need for a credible defense of the European continent and called for economic reforms to avoid falling behind globally. He highlighted the importance of military cooperation, industrial investments, border protection, and maintaining social and environmental standards while fostering growth. With nationalist and populist parties gaining ground, he stressed the criticality of ensuring peace and security on the continent.
To strengthen Europe’s position, Macron proposed initiatives such as creating an EU military academy, investing in military equipment, doubling financial capacity, becoming a world leader in key sectors by 2030, setting digital age majority at 15 years old and emphasizing cultural battle over EU’s identity and soul. His speech was programmatic in nature but also addressed the need for massive strategic decisions to secure Europe’s future.
“We must act with power,” Macron declared in his speech. “We must act with prosperity.” And “Humanism should be our guide.” With these words echoing across Sorbonne University’s hallowed halls, Macron underscored that Europe is facing a critical moment that will determine its destiny – one that requires bold action and unwavering commitment to unity and democracy.
