Macron Urges Europe to ‘Wake Up’ Against United Front from US, Russia, and China

The French President warned that the current historical moment is unique as Washington, Moscow, and Beijing align against European interests, necessitating a more unified and self-reliant continent. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied France’s President Emmanuel Macron speaks on stage during an event at the Roman Agora in Athens, on April 24, 2026. (Photo by Ludovic MARIN / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google French President Emmanuel Macron has called for a fundamental shift in European policy, arguing that the continent must “wake up” to a new reality where the United States , Russia , and China are all categorically opposed to European interests, Politico reported. Speaking in Athens during a discussion with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Friday, April 24, Macron described the current period as a “unique moment” of geopolitical pressure. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . He emphasized that the tension with Washington is an “historical trend” likely to persist beyond the term of US President Donald Trump . “We must be a little more self-confident and propose our own agenda,” Macron stated, urging European nations to act with greater unity to protect their own interests. The French leader noted that many European colleagues now have a “sober vision” of the transatlantic relationship, no longer viewing Trump’s second term as a temporary deviation but as a reason for fundamental change. Following his visit to Athens, Macron and Mitsotakis are expected to sign an agreement on Saturday to renew their bilateral security pact. This call for European strategic autonomy comes amid a deterioration in relations between the US and its traditional allies. On April 18, President Trump labeled NATO “absolutely useless” after several members refused to join military operations against Iran or secure the Strait of Hormuz. Trump’s dismissive rhetoric toward the alliance has accelerated efforts among EU members to bolster their own defenses. Other Topics of Interest Ukrainian Drones Strike Urals for First Time in Record 1,800-km Raid Explosions were reported at military and industrial sites in Yekaterinburg and Chelyabinsk as Kyiv’s long-range campaign reaches deep into Russian territory. In response to the growing threat from Moscow, Germany recently unveiled its first comprehensive defense strategy since World War II, identifying Russia as the primary threat and preparing for potential military confrontation with NATO. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius highlighted that Russia is actively seeking to “drive a wedge” between Europe and the US. As Germany moves to acquire long-range precision strike capabilities and considers reintroducing compulsory military service, Macron’s remarks in Athens underscore a growing consensus in Paris and Berlin that Europe must now provide for its own security and “defend its own interests” in an increasingly hostile global landscape. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization since 1995. Its international market reach of 97% outside of Ukraine makes it truly Ukraine’s Global – and most reliable – Voice.