In his speech before the Munich Security Conference on Friday, the French President said that the world must treat Europe as a role model instead of criticizing it or distorting its image, in response to a speech delivered by the US Vice President during last year’s edition of the same conference. Macron called on the Europeans to define rules for coexistence with Russia in the post-Ukraine war phase to reduce the risk of escalation.

Published on: 02/13/2026 - 20:51

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French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday, during his speech at the annual Munich Security Conference, urged the world to treat Europe as an “example” to emulate instead of “criticizing” it or “tarnishing its image.”

His statements came as a response to the provocative speech delivered by US Vice President J.D. Vance during last year's edition of the same conference.

Macron said: “Europe has been criticized as an old, slow, fragmented entity, marginalized by history. As an overly regulated and inactive economy that shuns innovation. As a society suffering from barbaric migrations that spoil its ancient traditions. And, strangest of all, in some circles, as a repressive continent with no freedom of expression.”

The French President stressed that Europe is supposed to "define its rules for coexistence" with Russia if a peace agreement is reached to end the war in Ukraine, in order to "reduce the risk of escalation." He added, "The Europeans must begin this work, based on their own thinking and interests."

Macron suggested that "the Europeans launch a series of consultations on this important issue." He considered that the countries of the Old Continent must effectively “develop” their defense arsenal, especially with regard to long-range “precision strike” systems, if they want to be in a “position of strength” to negotiate with Russia in the future.

France 24/AFP

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