French President Emmanuel Macron has urged Europe to increase its defense spending to reduce reliance on the United States for security, as Donald Trump returns to power. Macron highlighted potential shifts in U.S. foreign policy, particularly concerning the conflict in Ukraine, calling for a 'European strategic wake-up call' during a speech to the military at the Army Digital and Cyber Support Command in western France.
Expressing concerns about the implications of a reduced U.S. military presence in Europe, Macron posed questions about the future role of American forces in the region. Trump's emphasis on cost-sharing in military operations, especially in Ukraine, has prompted calls for Europe to take on a greater share of the financial burden.
