Macron's address in Dresden: "It's crucial to safeguard Europe"

Official trip to a foreign country. - Macron's Dresden address: "It's crucial to protect Europe"

Just like a celebrity admired by thousands of young listeners, French President Emmanuel Macron delivered an impassioned plea for Europe in Dresden. He urged the crowd gathered in front of the Frauenkirche, saying, "We need to find the determination and dedication once more to protect it everywhere." Speaking in both French and German, Macron captivated the predominantly young audience with his ambitious dreams and personal anecdotes. At the "Fête de l'Europe" event, Macron performed the European anthem alongside Bundestag President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, a youth choir, and the public.

In his powerful speech lasting forty minutes, Macron stressed the need for a robust and autonomous Europe. Europe is at a major junction, the French leader told young people from Poland, the Czech Republic, and France. "Europe is a narrative of peace, prosperity, and democracy." If Europe fails to act, these accomplishments are at risk of extinction. "Europe could perish," Macron said. "Europe is a guarantor of peace. For many of us, this notion has sounded outdated for a while. But today, there is war in Europe again."

In response to the Russian intervention in Ukraine, Macron advocated for an autonomous European security and defense policy that would be part of NATO. The Europeans must come together as allies. He had previously voiced these views in a highly publicized address at Sorbonne University in Paris and his desire for a financially sovereign Europe. "Europe needs a growth model for future generations."

"Europe is not a supermarket."

Two weeks prior to the European elections, Macron cautioned in Dresden about the rise of extremists within Europe - given the likelihood of the National Front led by Marine Le Pen being the strongest force in the French elections and his liberal party being significantly outpaced. Freedom and democracy have long been seen as inevitable, Macron said. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, it was anticipated that these values would spread everywhere.

"But take a look around now! Behold the allure of authoritarian regimes. See the illiberal moment Europe is facing!" Macron urged. Many desire the funds from Brussels, but not the independence of the judiciary, press freedom, cultural diversity, and academic autonomy. "This trend is not a trend, but a reality in Hungary. That was also the case until the recent elections in Poland." Macron continued, "Everywhere in our democracies, these ideals are gaining momentum, spurred on by extremists and particularly right-wing extremists."

The 46-year-old called for us to awaken. "Our Europe is not a supermarket!" Europe is not just a place where you establish common laws. "It is a bastion of values, culture, individual and political freedoms." We should defend Europe and meet the concerns and the anger with a Europe that can create humanism from its foundations.

Steinmeier calls for bravery and faith in Europe

Both German President Steinmeier and Saxony's Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer were in Dresden to promote freedom and democracy in Europe. "Europe was not created out of doubts and fears, but was the outcome of courage and confidence; and now is the time to show this again," said Steinmeier. Centuries of effort have been invested in making this continent a land of freedom and democracy, stated the head of state. "It is up to us to continue this effort," he added, looking toward the European election on June 9th.

Macron shared personal reflections in Dresden on his introduction to Germany during his school days. "I learned the German language and culture and still do. I'm trying my best, believe me." Macron recounted his experience in a youth exchange between Amiens and Dortmund. "I discovered your country, which remained divided by the Wall at the time." Macron is the first French president to conduct an official visit to Eastern Germany. "To address you today as the first French president since reunification is an immense honor for me as a Frenchman and friend of Germany, and as a devout European," said the 46-year-old. "It's an immense honor for me as a Frenchman and friend of Germany and a committed European." Macron also mentioned that he had been invited to the city for a state visit last year but had to cancel it due to riots in France. He jokingly remarked about the current visit, "Postponed is not canceled."

^1: Translated from German using Google Translate.