Thread by @JeffRathke

@ischinger refers to speech yesterday by President Steinmeier and asks: what kind of Europe/EU do you envisage 5-10 years from now?

@EmmanuelMacron says in last 10-15 years values have changed and new powers have arisen that don’t share our values. Russia for example.

US policies have changed and relations with Europe are being reviewed. Reinforces need for a European strategy to become sovereign, United and democratic and has enough leverage to be sovereign.

Europe that is credible and that has modernized itself. Can’t be a Europe where unanimous decisions are required. We need to move in the same direction as a core.

Europe offers us the opportunity to have freedom of action. We need to develop outlet own strategy. On some questions we have our own views. Need to have European policies and not just transatlantic policies.

Applause from the crowd for @EmmanuelMacron ‘s view of Europe. Contrast to the more polite but not enthusiastic reception for Esper and Pompeo statements.

@ischinger tries to get an expression of frustration from @macron on German responses (or non-) to his European proposals. Macron downplays dissonance. Cites FCAS cooperation. Batteries, universities, etc

Main question is the speediness of the answer and we have to address the crisis of doubt among our peoples. Maybe I’m impatient but I’m not frustrated.

Macron says the key at the EU level is: need to act faster when it comes to sovereign questions. And how can we invest faster and develop European initiatives faster. Climate, border protection e.g. Want to come up with joint initiatives with Germany and take risks together.

China invests enormous amounts in digital field and research, as the US does too. They set the course for the future. In Europe we have to agree to a common budget. Insurance and banks are key to economic success and the current policies not adequate.

Too little investment in European economy. Need to strengthen European middle classes and reconcile them with our vision of the future.

There are doubts about democracy. No fair burdensharing. How to sustain enthusiasm about the future? We have to address the future at the Franco-German level. (Applause)

The more Macron says he’s not frustrated with Germany, the more one gets the opposite sense.

@ischinger asks @EmmanuelMacron about the President’s speech last week on French deterrence policy and nuclear strategy - where does France want to go?

Macron: we need a stronger Europe in defense. EDF, EII etc are important in FCAS and MGCS. Not projects against NATO or instead of NATO. NATO and European efforts are two pillars. US right to tell Europeans to invest in security.

Europe needs to create its own capability to defend itself. If we don’t have ability to act we will not be credible with the US.

Macron says: we need a strategic dialogue on nuclear topics with all interested and ready to do nuclear exercises. It’s a way to develop shared strategic culture.

Macron: We have to have a debate about power from a European perspective. Can’t just do everything via US.

@Ischinger asks about Macron’s Russia policy. Macron: in recent years we took a stance toward Russia for good reasons. But if we want to defend our values we have to appear stronger (raises Syria US failure to enforce red line).

Macron says Ukraine situation also a result of our weakness.

He says sanctions and counter sanctions haven’t worked.

Kinda stunning.

What should change? Should we become more ‘brutal’ toward Russia? No.

A new approach takes time but could be credible. Relaunch Normandy dialogue. Putin accepted an upcoming summit in Normandy format. Prisoners were exchanged. Some dynamism has resulted.

Strategic dialogue with Russia must focus on thawing frozen conflicts, cyber, Syria.

Macron: I talk to my Polish colleagues. Dialogue with Russia is also good for Poland.

Russia has built up its military and they are more powerful. But that is not financially sustainable over long term. Russia has exploited our weakness and uncertainty.

Russia will find it hard to stand alone in long term and China not an option for Russia.

I’m pro-European not pro-Russian. But that means we need to build a security architecture and that means giving Russia options.

Q: from @SlaughterAM : does your European vision include the UK?

Macron: the UK is part of the Europe of Defense. We are both in UNSC and nuclear powers. We need various formats for this and that includes the UK. European Security Council idea - need regular meetings incl. UK

@axelspringer_EN CEO Döpfner asked if Macron fears Russian intervention in next French election.

Macron: Russia supports anti migration anti-democratic movements. Those that don’t want Europe to become closer. RUS wants divided Europe.

I don’t believe in miracles, I believe in policies, says @EmmanuelMacron

If Europe develops a common strategy on China, we can pursue it together with the Americans, says Macron.