Macron called Trump's return a boost for Europe's development

The return of Donald Trump to the office of the US President will push European countries to invest in defense, as well as in industrial and technological development. This was stated by French President Emmanuel Macron on February 14.

"This is the moment for Europe to accelerate and act. We must also develop a fully integrated European defense, industrial and technological base," The Financial Times (FT) quoted Macron as saying, citing the leader's interview at the Elysee Palace.

Macron also emphasized that Europe needs to take more responsibility for its own security and increase its economic independence. Otherwise, as the president noted, the European Union (EU) is in for "failure."

"If all we do is become even bigger clients of the US, we will still not solve the issue of European sovereignty in 20 years," he added.

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The FT noted back on February 11 that Macron and other European leaders ' "main nightmare" is a deal between Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin. The publication noted that only if Europe offers something, its interests will be taken into account in the implementation of the deal.