Speaking at the Hague on Tuesday, French President Emmanuel Macron spoke of his vision for a new era of “European sovereignty” in which the Continent can choose its own partners and “shape its own destiny”. His address was briefly disrupted by protesters who attempted to shout him down.
Macron's speech, made during the first state visit to the Netherlands by a French president in 23 years, was closely watched by analysts and allies alike as it centered on European sovereignty. It came just days after the French leader sparked concerns among allies after he said in an interview that Europe must not be a "follower" of either Washington or Beijing on Taiwan.
