December 25, 2019

France's Role in NATO Does Not Suit Macron, Does It?

Does Europe Really Need Strategic Autonomy?

 

Serhiy Polyovyk

Recently, French President Emmanuel Macron announced his intention to visit Moscow next May. Independent European analysts have long noted E. Macron's affection for Russia. And his statement about participation in the Moscow parade once again testifies to the dominance of the nuclear leader's own interests over the principles of democracy, over observance of conditions of collective security in Europe and solidarity within NATO.

Analysts say the French President's plans were made public after his unpopular statement at the Alliance's summit in London about “NATO's brain death”. Thus, E. Macron forced to question France's commitment to European values, its shared with other bloc countries, including Germany, views on security.

Such statements can have an unexpectedly negative geopolitical effect. The statements of the impulsive President of France, on the one hand, are acceptable to the President of the United States, who demands greater independence from NATO members and more substantial financial contributions to the collective defense budget. On the other hand, such flirtation with the US President almost destroyed European solidarity and collective position within NATO.

As for Russia, its role in the destruction of European security and stability is obvious. In its strategy, it takes into account the mercantile and personal motives of the leaders of the European NATO member states, and uses factors such as the upcoming US presidential election, the UK's withdrawal from the EU, China's activity on the continent, and destructive actions of the leaderships of European countries under the Kremlin's influence.

The article is available in Ukrainian