Macron urges European leaders to 'write our own history' at joint summit

RFI

7 November 2024 at 11:50 am·1-min read

Nearly 50 heads of state and government are in the Hungarian capital for a summit of the European Political Community starting 7 November 2024.

French President Emmanuel Macron urged fellow European leaders to rise to "a decisive moment" after Donald Trump's re-election as US president, as some 50 figures from across the continent met in Budapest on Thursday to discuss global trade, migration and security.

The leaders of the European Union were joined by others from the United Kingdom to Turkey, as well as NATO chief Mark Rutte and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky, for a one-day meeting of the European Political Community.

"This is a decisive moment in history for us Europeans," Macron told the gathering in opening remarks.

"Do we want to read the history written by others – the wars launched by Vladimir Putin, the US election, China's technological or trade choices?" Macron asked. "Or do we want to write our own history? I think we have the strength to write it."

While Macron's tone was combative, he has been weakened by political troubles at home – as has the leader of the bloc's other heavyweight, Olaf Scholz of Germany, whose ruling coalition collapsed overnight, spelling uncertainty at a critical time for Europe.

The German chancellor missed the day's talks due to the unfolding crisis, and was due to catch up with the other leaders over dinner Thursday night.

Uncertainty looms over Germany as Scholz navigates political crisis

Appeal for unity on Ukraine

Macron urged the continent to assert its strategic independence from the United States. "We must not delegate forever our security to America," he said.

Australian Associated Press
Police scour New York for suspect after CEO gunned down
Police reportedly believe a man who killed a UnitedHealth executive arrived in New York 10 days before the shooting on a Greyhound bus from Atlanta.
Australian Associated Press
Elvis keeps Smylie face despite double woe in Sun City
Australian golf's new rocket man Elvis Smylie has continued his fine form to lie just four off the lead at halfway at the Nedbank Challenge in South Africa.
Australian Associated Press
US appeals court upholds TikTok law forcing its sale
A federal appeals court panel has upheld a law requiring the sale or ban of TikTok in the United States by January 19.
Australian Associated Press
Cam Smith's hopes of first 2024 win fade in the desert
Cameron Smith will have to produce a final-round burst to get back into contention in the $7.8 million Saudi International and land his first win of 2024.
Australian Associated Press
WHO sends experts to DR Congo over mystery disease
The World Health Organisation is sending experts to the Democratic Republic of Congo to support local authorities in investigating an apparently new disease.
Australian Associated Press
Nissanka leads Sri Lanka fightback against South Africa
Pathum Nissanka scored 89 in Sri Lanka's fightback against Kyle Verreyne-inspired South Africa in the second Test, closing on 3-242 to trail by 116.
Australian Associated Press
Man extradited from NSW jailed in UK over slap therapy
A man extradited from Australia has been sentenced to 10 years in a UK prison for the death of a diabetic woman who stopped taking insulin during his workshops.
Australian Associated Press
Lionel Messi honoured with US soccer's MVP award
Argentine great Lionel Messi has continued merrily on his award-winning ways, being crowned Major League Soccer's most valuable player for 2024.
Australian Associated Press
Labuschagne keeps wolves at bay with feisty knock
Australian batsman Marnus Labuschagne will seek to again keep the wolves at bay on day two of the second Test against India.
Australian Associated Press
Man dies after yachts collide on Sydney Harbour
A man has died after suffering a severe chest injury following a collision between two yachts on Sydney Harbour.
Australian Associated Press
PM to blitz WA as Labor eyes seats for next election
Anthony Albanese has embarked on a charm offensive in the west, while two independent federal candidates are set to announce their next moves.
Australian Associated Press
Arsonists at large as leaders denounce synagogue attack
The suspected torching of a synagogue has been denounced by religious and political leaders as police hunt for those responsible.
Australian Associated Press
Matildas coach wants aggressive, high-tempo end to 2024
The Matildas will finish their year against Taiwan in Geelong, and interim coach Tom Sermanni plans to again bring a high-tempo, aggressive approach.
Australian Associated Press
Piastri boost in McLaren title bid as Doohan enjoys bow
Oscar Piastri's McLaren are closer to the constructors' crown after a Ferrari grid penalty, while Jack Doohan enjoyed a tough baptism in Abu Dhabi practice.
Australian Associated Press
Romanian top court annuls presidential election result
Romania's constitutional court has annulled the results of the first round of the country's presidential election.
Australian Associated Press
Ange shrugs off the boos: 'I don't need support, mate'
Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou says he's determined to "get it right" at the club in the face of fans growing more discontented with their inconsistency.
Australian Associated Press
Mourinho goads Pep: 'I won my Premier Leagues fairly'
A war of words between old foes Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola has resurfaced, with the Portuguese manager suggesting he won his Premier League crowns fairly.
Australian Associated Press
Indonesia to repatriate Filipina held on death row
Filipino death-row drug convict Mary Jane Veloso will be allowed to return home after Indonesian authorities signed an agreement with the Philippines.
Australian Associated Press
Cotton 40-pointer in vain as Illawarra down Wildcats
Bryce Cotton threatened another massive haul before Wani Swaka Lo Buluk blanketed him down the stretch to help Illawarra beat Perth by 10 points in the NBL.
Australian Associated Press
Starc sets up Australia's day and night of dominance
Australia trail by just 94 runs with nine wickets in hand after hitting back hard at India on the first day of the second Test at Adelaide Oval.

Appeal for unity on Ukraine

Latest stories