Harsh statement made by the French President Emmanuel Macron about the “brain death” that the North Atlantic Alliance is currently undergoing has caused value reassessment in Berlin, Brussels and other European capitals. Russian analysts argue that, in general, the statement can be considered an appeal by Europe to chart a radically new course.
The main argument is built around the level of security and defense in Europe. Macron believes that one of the main tasks of the European region is to strengthen its capabilities in order to gradually weaken its dependence on the United States.
This leads him to two main conclusions: Europe with enhanced defense potential and sovereignty is able to balance the United States and China, and must also review its strategic partnership, including that with Russia.
“First, Europe should become autonomous in terms of military strategy and capabilities”, – Macron said.
“And secondly, we need to resume the strategic dialogue with Russia, although this will potentially require a lot of time”, – he added.
German analysts note that while Macron’s views on NATO and Russia seem to be radical, they largely coincide with the views expressed by Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, the alleged potential successor to Chancellor Angela Merkel.