Macron: Europe must resist the return of nationalism
In Lorraine, Macron called for a sovereign, united Europe and warned of a worrying return of nationalisms; Pope Leo XIV attended the gathering.
French President Emmanuel Macron urged Europe to rediscover "the courage of its founders" and to resist what he called a renewed wave of nationalism, speaking in Metz at a gathering devoted to European construction and peace where Pope Leo XIV was also present.
Macron in Lorraine: history, unity and warning
Macron delivered his remarks in Lorraine, a border region with Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg that bears a heavy military history and where Robert Schuman is buried. He framed his vision as one of a "sovereign, united and secure Europe" built to protect citizens and promote prosperity.
"Here beats the thousand-year heart of Europe — a Europe that protects, unites and acts. It is a sovereign and democratic Europe, driven by a project for peace and prosperity," Macron said, invoking the symbolic weight of the place.
He added that "Europe must find the courage to become a force for peace, independence and democracy; that is its task. We need the courage not to give in to isolationism, hatred of others and the return of the nationalisms that bring division." Macron made the remarks on the final day of the Pope's visit to France.
Macron also reflected on Europe's foundations: "built on Greco‑Roman and Judeo‑Christian roots, on Franco‑German reconciliation and on the will of peoples freed from dictatorships after 1945." He warned that the "return of empires" today is under strong pressure.
Announced plans include Macron's attendance at a Mass led by the Pope in Metz later in the afternoon. "To secure true sovereignty, we must act. Our priority is to work on our security and preserve our values. Peace is not proclaimed by decree; it is patiently built by reasonable and persistent people of good will," he said, recalling his Friday meeting with the Pope at the Élysée Palace.
Macron concluded by stressing that Europe "is not a force that destroys nations, but a force that extends and increases their capacity to act and to manage their own destiny," naming freedoms such as critical thought, dedication to science, liberal democracy, and the links between capitalism, free trade and the welfare state.
Photo: press material from the event
