Macron says EU countries must seek to increase co-op

During his participation at the Munich security Conference (MSC) on Saturday, French President Emmanuel Macron criticized attempts by some countries to weaken Europe.

Macron affirmed that he seeks to build a strong Europe, which does not need to depend on others, and further stressed that the European Union member states should strive to increase cooperation among them.

He also added that the values of the Europeans must be reflected in freedom, equality, brotherhood and vitality, then. “We will find a strong Europe.”

“We need some freedom of action in Europe,” he told MSC delegates. “We need to develop our own strategy. We don’t have the same geographic conditions (as the US), not the same ideas about social equilibrium, about social welfare. There are ideals we have to defend. Mediterranean policy: that is a European thing, not a trans-Atlantic thing, and the same goes for Russia — we need a European policy, not just a trans-Atlantic policy.”

Earlier, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has affirmed the United States’ support to Europe and said his country will not leave the North Atlantic alliance.

This annual gathering brings together presidents, prime ministers, foreign and defense ministers from more than 40 countries, as well as representatives from business and international organizations.

This year’s attendees included French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. US delegates included Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.