Macron speech in Dresden: "We must defend Europe"

French President Emmanuel Macron made a fiery plea for Europe in Dresden, cheered on like a star by tens of thousands of young listeners. "We must rediscover the strength, the commitment to defend it (Europe) everywhere," the French head of state appealed in front of the Frauenkirche on Monday. He repeatedly switched from French to German during his speech and inspired the predominantly young audience with his ambitious visions and personal notes. His appearance at the "Fête de l'Europe" culminated in Macron singing the European anthem with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, a youth choir and the audience.

In his passionate speech, which lasted a good 40 minutes, Macron insisted at the historic venue that a strong and sovereign Europe was necessary. Europe is at a crossroads, said the French head of state in front of young people from Poland, the Czech Republic and France. "Europe is a story of peace, prosperity and democracy." However, all of this is now under threat if Europe does not act. Europe could die, warned Macron. "Europe is a guarantor of peace. For many of us, this argument sounded outdated for a long time. But today there is war in Europe again."

In light of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, Macron called for an independent European security and defense policy and for Europeans to act as allies within NATO. These were demands that Macron had emphasized just a month ago in a highly acclaimed speech at the Sorbonne University in Paris, as well as his vision for an economically independent Europe. In terms of economic policy, Europe must become more sovereign and independent, especially in the face of competition from China and the USA, the President emphasized. "Europe needs a growth model for future generations."

"Europe is not a supermarket"

Almost two weeks before the European elections, Macron also warned in Dresden against the strengthening of extremes in Europe - also against the background that the right-wing nationalists around Marine Le Pen are likely to become the strongest force in the French vote and clearly overtake Macron's liberals. Democracy and freedom had seemed so self-evident to everyone, said Macron. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, people thought that this wind would spread everywhere.

"But let's look around us today! Let's look at the fascination with authoritarian regimes. Let's look at the illiberal moment we are living through in Europe!" Macron warned that while many wanted the money from Brussels, they wanted nothing to do with an independent judiciary, freedom of the press, cultural diversity and the autonomy of universities. "This tendency is not a tendency, it is a reality in Hungary. It was a reality until the wonderful elections in Poland." Macron added: "Everywhere in our democracies, these ideas are flourishing, given a boost by the extremes and especially the far right."

The 46-year-old urged: "Let's wake up! Our Europe is not a supermarket!" Europe is not just a place where people agree on common rules. "It is a pillar of values, of culture, of individual and political freedoms." Europe must be defended and respond to the concerns and reasons for anger with a Europe of respect. "A Europe that in some way builds humanism from the ground up."

Steinmeier calls for courage and confidence for Europe

Federal President Steinmeier and Saxony's Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer also called for freedom and democracy in Europe in Dresden. "Europe was not born out of doubt and fear, Europe is the result of courage and confidence; and we must show this now," said Steinmeier. Generations had worked to "make this continent a continent of freedom and democracy", said the German head of state. "It is up to us to continue this work," he said with a view to the European elections on 9 June.

Macron touched by trip to East Germany

Macron, for whom a speech in German is by no means an everyday occurrence, struck a personal note in Dresden, recounting his first contact with Germany at school. "I learned the German language and culture and I still do. I do my best, believe me." Macron described how he took part in an exchange between his home town of Amiens and Dortmund. "I discovered your country, which was still divided by the Wall at the time."

Macron is the first French president to travel to East Germany on an official visit. "Today, as the first French president since reunification to address you here in Dresden, I am particularly honored (...). It touches me very much," said the 46-year-old. "It is an honor for me as a Frenchman and friend of Germany, but also as a convinced European." Macron also briefly touched on the fact that he had actually been expected to pay a state visit to Dresden almost a year ago, but had to cancel the trip at short notice due to violent unrest in France. With a slight joke, he now said in German: "Postponed is not canceled."