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A lot to unpack in President @EmmanuelMacron's interview with @benjaminhaddad for the launch of @AtlanticCouncil @ACEurope.
A lot of consistence with previous remarks but I've noted a specific attention to the transatlantic dimension of strategic autonomy. A quick thread.
A lot of consistence with previous remarks but I've noted a specific attention to the transatlantic dimension of strategic autonomy. A quick thread.
"European sovereignty is very good news for the transatlantic relationship"
" totally consistent with NATO"
"What I want to preserve is, obviously, the strong and political coordination with the United States in order to define and design the political concept of NATO."
" totally consistent with NATO"
"What I want to preserve is, obviously, the strong and political coordination with the United States in order to define and design the political concept of NATO."
What's strategic autonomy?
1) " first, having European players investing much more for themselves" (ie defense budgets)
2) Industrial cooperation on key capabilities
3) common culture leading to common interventions (EI2, Takuba). Described as relieving pressure on US troops.
1) " first, having European players investing much more for themselves" (ie defense budgets)
2) Industrial cooperation on key capabilities
3) common culture leading to common interventions (EI2, Takuba). Described as relieving pressure on US troops.
On China, consistent too: "partner, competitor and systemic rival"
Creating a unified front against China would be counterproductive, would push China to bunker up and not cooperate when we need it.
But equally a mistake for Europe to sit "at the same distance from
& 
"
Creating a unified front against China would be counterproductive, would push China to bunker up and not cooperate when we need it.
But equally a mistake for Europe to sit "at the same distance from
& "
On China, interesting to note the willingness to reboot P5 coordination at the UNSC.
Good question by @SophiaBesch on how to transatlanticism vs Strategic autonomy yields interesting answers.
Macron consistent in reaffirming that a stronger Europe is better for the US because the crisis are in Europe, not US' backyard. Nod to the "endless wars" domestic debate
Macron consistent in reaffirming that a stronger Europe is better for the US because the crisis are in Europe, not US' backyard. Nod to the "endless wars" domestic debate
On this, note the use of the example, the 2013 US refusal to intervene in Syria, while FR was ready to strike. That's an episode which left a deep mark in French strategic thinking.
It's something @jeffdlightfoot and I explored in depth here https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/in-depth-research-reports/report/sovereign-solidarity-france-the-us-and-alliances-in-a-post-covid-world/
It's something @jeffdlightfoot and I explored in depth here https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/in-depth-research-reports/report/sovereign-solidarity-france-the-us-and-alliances-in-a-post-covid-world/
Note also that on NATO/Turkey, Macron calls for more, not less, US involvement.
Overall, clear willingness to engage US on NATO's concept based on the high level expert report.
Anyway, watch it yourself and make up your mind.[END] https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/event/a-conversation-with-french-president-emmanuel-macron-launching-the-europe-center/
Overall, clear willingness to engage US on NATO's concept based on the high level expert report.
Anyway, watch it yourself and make up your mind.[END] https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/event/a-conversation-with-french-president-emmanuel-macron-launching-the-europe-center/
