• Macron defends Europe as a model to follow, advocating for a stronger geopolitical role.
• He responds to criticisms of Europe from US Vice President JD Vance.
• Macron calls for clearer European security interests as the continent navigates tensions with Russia.

At the Munich Security Conference, President Emmanuel Macron asserted that the world should "take their cue from us, instead of criticising us," highlighting a need for others to learn from Europe's approach, especially in light of past criticisms from US officials regarding European policies. He posited that Europe has been unfairly vilified as an "aging, slow, fragmented construct," by pointing out the need for Europe to establish itself as a "geopolitical power," according to Le Monde, Channel News Asia, and The Local.

Macron expressed confidence in Europe’s strength, declaring, "I believe that Europe is inherently strong and can be made even stronger yet." He encouraged European nations to articulate shared long-term security interests, especially as the continent seeks stability or potential settlements related to the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has escalated since February 2022. He noted that it is vital to "define rules of coexistence that limit the risk of escalation" following a potential resolution, according to Le Monde, Channel News Asia, and The Local.

During his remarks, Macron stressed the importance of European nations solidifying their identities as "confident democracies" while ensuring that they become reliable partners for the United States. He reiterated that such a partnership would enable Europe to "take its fair share of the burden," promoting mutual respect between allies, according to Le Monde, Channel News Asia, and The Local.