French President Emmanuel Macron said Europe and the United States have moved closer in their positions on the war in Ukraine and developments in the Middle East, as European leaders seek to present a united front ahead of a key NATO summit next month.
In a statement posted on social media late Wednesday, Macron said discussions among Western allies since the recent Group of Seven summit had helped narrow differences on major international security issues, including support for Ukraine and responses to ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
Macron said he met in Berlin with the leaders of Germany, Britain, Italy and Poland to maintain what he described as growing political momentum and strengthen coordination among Europe’s largest powers.
The French president said the next major step would come at the NATO summit scheduled for early July in Ankara, where allies are expected to discuss defense spending, military cooperation and the future security architecture of the alliance.
“We must continue building a stronger Europe within NATO,” Macron said, emphasizing the need for greater European responsibility while preserving transatlantic cooperation.
The comments come as European leaders attempt to demonstrate unity amid Russia’s continuing war in Ukraine and growing uncertainty over long-term security commitments across the continent. Several NATO members have increased defense spending and accelerated military modernization programs in response to concerns about regional security.
The meeting in Berlin also followed months of debate within Europe over defense cooperation, strategic autonomy and relations with the United States. European governments have increasingly argued that the continent should strengthen its military capabilities while remaining firmly anchored within NATO.
Macron did not provide further details on specific policy decisions or agreements reached during the talks, but officials said the discussions reflected a broader effort to reinforce cooperation among key Western allies before the NATO summit.
