Macron Calls for European Sovereignty, Emphasizing Defense and Clean Energy Collaboration

President Emmanuel Macron of France addressed global business and political leaders at the World Economic Forum, emphasizing Europe's need to transition toward greater sovereignty in defense, clean energy, and essential technologies like AI, quantum, and semiconductors.

Macron stressed the importance of creating well-paid jobs and advocated for a shift toward innovation and industrialization over excessive regulation.

He acknowledged Europe's competitiveness lag behind the US and China in technology investment and highlighted the challenges posed by President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act. Macron proposed deeper labor market reforms in France, aiming to lead in competitiveness. He revealed plans for 14 new nuclear reactors to achieve net-zero by 2027 and urged a more significant union of Europe's capital markets.

Macron's vision is driven by lessons from crises such as COVID-19, the Russia-Ukraine war, and tensions between the US and China, prompting a critical moment for Europe to decide on sovereignty in 2024.