25th President of France, Emmanuel Macron spoke at Sorbonne University on problems and future of the EU in Paris. Macron, who designed his presidential election campaign on pro-EU politics, addressed many political, economic and social problems in his nearly two-hour speech. He criticized weakness and ineffectiveness of current state of the EU but he indicated also that the reinforcement of the EU depend on Europeans. Macron pointed out the transformations needed for more “sovereign, united and democratic” Europe in five specific areas. Macron emphasized the most fundamental issue as security, indicating that it needs to find concrete solutions by adapting to the problems resulted by current globalization process. On this subject, the French President mentioned the importance of taking necessary cyber security measures and establishing independent defense mechanism but he said also that Europe was missing a “common strategic culture”. Then President Macron added; “The incapacity to act together and different political and economic dynamics of member countries undermines EU’s credibility.”

During his speech, President Macron indicated to strengthen the Union, the key point is “to protect the sovereignty” and what Europe needs to protect are borders and European values. On the migration issue, he told that “Migration crisis is not a crisis, it is caused by inequalities created by globalization and it’s a problem that will continue for a long time” and he indicated also Europe should react together against this problem to find the more efficient solution. In this matter, he proposed to empower the common asylum policy and to review migration policies.

Stating that co-operation policies with Africa are the third important issue to form a stronger and more effective EU, the French President pointed  importance of increasing health, education and energy investments. Macron mentioned that taking action against global warming is the next important issue for EU. In order to achieve this goal, transportation, living spaces and industry should have a transformation. For the accomplishment of these transformations, there should be a taxation system that encompasses all member countries and laws that encourage environmentally friendly policies to control carbon emissions. In addition to this, Macron also mentioned the issue of agriculture and food safety and recalled the egg crisis. To not to repeat the existing problems, he suggested that the Common Agricultural Policy should be renewed, protection of producers and consumers against crises should be ensured.

Finally, French President Macron mentioned the importance of digital transformation. In addition, he emphasized that digital single-parity inequalities and taxation problems should be addressed as soon as possible. He proposed the establishment of a “Common Digital Innovation Agency” and indicated that the common currency is important to overcome the problems in the digital single market. In this context, he proposed also to establish a joint finance ministry in the Euro Zone. 

He recalled that the seventy-year history of the EU was not a coincidence but a conscious choice. He ended his speech saying that Europeans should act "in common" in order to protect and leave a strong and effective EU to future generations.