Macron Sounds the Alarm in Athens: “The U.S., Russia and China Are Working Against Europe”
French President Emmanuel Macron chose Athens as the stage for one of the most direct and uncompromising speeches of his second term. Standing alongside Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Macron declared that Europe is entering a historic moment in which three global powers — the United States, Russia and China — are “acting against European interests.” He urged the European Union to “wake up” and defend itself in a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape.
His remarks come at a time of rising global tension: the ongoing war in Ukraine, the crisis involving Iran, the intensifying economic rivalry with China, and the deterioration of transatlantic relations. Macron described this moment as a “turning point,” arguing that Europe can no longer rely on the United States as a stable and predictable ally.
An Isolated Europe in a Hostile World
According to Macron, Europe is facing a phase in which the world’s three major powers are pursuing strategies that directly undermine European stability and influence.
- The United States, he said, is adopting a political direction that could remain hostile even beyond the current administration.
- Russia continues to maintain an aggressive posture toward Europe, particularly through its actions in Ukraine.
- China, on the economic front, represents a growing threat to European industry and technological independence.
Macron noted that many European leaders once believed the first Trump presidency was an exception. Now, he argued, they see it as the beginning of a long-term shift in American foreign policy.
“This Is the Moment to React”
The French president insisted that Europe must respond with unity and determination. He called for:
- greater strategic autonomy,
- stronger internal cooperation,
- a more capable European defense,
- and renewed confidence in Europe’s own strength.
He stressed that Europe must “defend its own interests” rather than wait for others to do so. His comments came as France and Greece prepare to renew a major bilateral defense agreement covering military cooperation, foreign policy coordination and civil protection.
A Message to the Entire Continent
Macron’s speech in Athens was not just a warning — it was a direct appeal to European governments. He argued that Europe must stop seeing itself as a secondary actor and start behaving like a global power.
He reminded leaders that the continent can no longer afford to depend on decisions made in Washington, Beijing or Moscow. In a world where traditional alliances are weakening and tensions are rising, the European Union must “be more united and more clear‑eyed.”