French President Emmanuel Macron has called on Europe to “wake up” and spend more on defense, in a speech to the French military as Donald Trump returns to power.

French President Macron urges Europe to increase defence spending and reduce reliance on the US, amidst expected changes in US foreign policy under Trump. Macron highlighted the need for strategic autonomy and lasting support for Ukraine.

French president Emmanuel Macron has called on Europe to “wake up” and spend more on defence, in a speech to the French military as Donald Trump returns to power. Mr Macron referred to expected changes in Washington’s foreign policies especially regarding the war in Ukraine and said this is an “opportunity for a European strategic wake-up call”.

French President Emmanuel Macron says Europe must "wake up" and spend more on its defense as Trump returns, but how realistic is the suggestion?

The French President called on Europe to spend more on defence to reduce their reliance on the United States for security.

Donald Trump has criticised the cost of US military assistance to Ukraine and aims to transfer a greater share of responsibility to Europe. View on euronews