Macron: Europeans must abandon “naivety” towards Washington

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday that Europeans “should abandon naivety” and “learn lessons” from the US’s new strategic choices centered on rivalry with China.

Speaking in a joint press conference with the Greek Prime Minister, Macron said, commenting on Australia’s termination of a contract for the purchase of French submarines in favor of the United States: “When we are under the influence of pressure from the great powers , sometimes it is intensified, to show a reaction or show that we too have the strength and the ability to defend ourselves. It does not mean submitting to escalation, it is simply imposing our respect. “

French President Emmanuel Macron with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis

French President Emmanuel Macron with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis

On Tuesday, Macron announced that Greece would buy three frigates from France as part of a deeper “strategic partnership” between the two countries to defend their common interests in the Mediterranean.

This agreement represents a “courageous first step towards European strategic independence”, underlined Macron during the signing ceremony with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at the Elysée.

Athens’ decision to purchase Bellara-class ships was seen as an “indicator of confidence” in the French defense industry in the face of competition, in particularly from the American group Lockheed Martin, according to press reports.

The deal also sends a message from Paris after losing a billion-euro contract with Australia to supply submarines, after Canberra announced it would sign a contract with the United States to purchase submarines. nuclear powered. Macron constantly stresses that Europe must develop its defense capabilities and reduce dependence on the United States.

From the signing ceremony of the agreement between Greece and France today

From the signing ceremony of the agreement between Greece and France today

Macron promised on Tuesday that the deal between the United States and Australia will not affect France’s strategy in the Indo-Pacific region, where China does not hide its desire to exert significant military influence.

“We have a million living citizens in this region and more than eight thousand soldiers are deployed there, “Macron said, referring to the French presence in many overseas regions.

But he added that “Europeans should stop being naive” about geopolitical rivalries, noting that the French ambassador to Washington, recalled following the submarine crisis, will return to his headquarters on Wednesday.

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