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French FM says US strategy backs Europe’s quest for strategic autonomy
(MENAFN) French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot stated on Wednesday that the newly released US national security strategy validates France’s long-standing advocacy for Europe to pursue strategic autonomy, according to general reports. Speaking before French lawmakers, Barrot described the strategy’s publication as “fundamentally, a moment of clarity and truth that urges us to stay the course and accelerate (...) It is a striking demonstration that we were right, since 2017, to call on Europe to pursue strategic autonomy.”
Barrot emphasized that France and its European partners were correct to begin reshaping Europe, pointing out that the bloc has regained control over its borders, strengthened defenses against “unfair competition,” and implemented regulations on major technology companies. He added, “Whatever the outcries of the international reactionaries, we will not be intimidated. The same rules apply to everyone. TikTok accepted them. X refused them. The European Commission took action—and it was right to do so. And this is only the beginning.”
The minister acknowledged critics who argue that “true sovereignty can only be exercised at the national level” but stressed that Europeans understand that protecting sovereignty also requires a united Europe. He stated, “The peoples of Europe reject capitulation in wars of invasion just as in trade wars. They reject the idea of Europe becoming a subjugated and aging continent. They want Europe to become a democratic power that lets no one decide on its behalf.”
The US national security strategy, released last week, outlined priorities of the Trump administration in foreign and security policy, focusing on the Indo-Pacific region and downplaying European governments’ characterization of Russia as an “existential threat.” The 33-page document also highlighted concerns about Europe’s economic trajectory and warned of the “real and more stark prospect of civilizational erasure” within the next 20 years.
In a notable departure from previous US strategy papers, the document criticized European policies on migration, transnational institutions, and political freedoms, stating: “The larger issues facing Europe include activities of the European Union and other transnational bodies that undermine political liberty and sovereignty, migration policies that are transforming the continent and creating strife, censorship of free speech and suppression of political opposition, cratering birthrates, and loss of national identities and self-confidence.”
Barrot emphasized that France and its European partners were correct to begin reshaping Europe, pointing out that the bloc has regained control over its borders, strengthened defenses against “unfair competition,” and implemented regulations on major technology companies. He added, “Whatever the outcries of the international reactionaries, we will not be intimidated. The same rules apply to everyone. TikTok accepted them. X refused them. The European Commission took action—and it was right to do so. And this is only the beginning.”
The minister acknowledged critics who argue that “true sovereignty can only be exercised at the national level” but stressed that Europeans understand that protecting sovereignty also requires a united Europe. He stated, “The peoples of Europe reject capitulation in wars of invasion just as in trade wars. They reject the idea of Europe becoming a subjugated and aging continent. They want Europe to become a democratic power that lets no one decide on its behalf.”
The US national security strategy, released last week, outlined priorities of the Trump administration in foreign and security policy, focusing on the Indo-Pacific region and downplaying European governments’ characterization of Russia as an “existential threat.” The 33-page document also highlighted concerns about Europe’s economic trajectory and warned of the “real and more stark prospect of civilizational erasure” within the next 20 years.
In a notable departure from previous US strategy papers, the document criticized European policies on migration, transnational institutions, and political freedoms, stating: “The larger issues facing Europe include activities of the European Union and other transnational bodies that undermine political liberty and sovereignty, migration policies that are transforming the continent and creating strife, censorship of free speech and suppression of political opposition, cratering birthrates, and loss of national identities and self-confidence.”
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