French President Emmanuel Macron has called on Europe to “wake up” and spend more on defense, in a speech to the French military as Donald Trump returns to power.

PARIS (Reuters) - French President Emmanuel Macron warned on Monday that the billions of euros of taxpayer money spent on Europe's military budgets should not be used to buy only American weapons, pushing for more investment in home-grown defence industries.

The leaders of France and Germany called for a united and resilient Europe during their meeting in Paris. Marking the Elysée Treaty anniversary, they pledged to strengthen European independence amid global challenges.

French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz spoke in Paris of the challenge posed by US President Donald Trump. View on euronews

The French President called on Europe to spend more on defence to reduce their reliance on the United States for security.

Emmanuel Macron gave a speech to the French armed forces in the face of an 'acceleration' of threats which, in his view, requires Europe to 'spend more on defense.'

Who would have thought a year ago that Greenland would be at the centre of political and strategic debates?,” the French president said without mentioning Trump by name.

French President Emmanuel Macron says Europe must "wake up" and spend more on its defense as Trump returns, but how realistic is the suggestion?

Donald Trump has criticised the cost of US military assistance to Ukraine and aims to transfer a greater share of responsibility to Europe. View on euronews