French President Emmanuel Macron has stated that he does not consider it possible to accept the role of a vassal in international politics and insisted that Europeans have a way to preserve their independence. He made this statement to journalists in the framework of the international forum dedicated to artificial intelligence in India.
"I, above all, want to avoid international division, and I do not believe in an international order that boils down to relations between rulers and vassals," he said.
"Yes, there are scenarios that involve either marginalization or becoming a 'satisfied vassal.' But I don't believe in these scenarios, and I don't believe that this is France's destiny." Macron said he believes in diplomacy that strengthens Europe's sovereignty and relies on a multilateral approach, including through cooperation with developing countries. According to the president, "Europe has everything it needs to be independent" and "to take its destiny into its own hands."
"We want to do this by respectfully cooperating with everyone, but also demanding respect for ourselves. I think being respected is important. And that's why we support this multilateral order with a results-oriented approach," he concluded.
