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Macron Urges Europe to Act Like a Global Power Amid Rising Threats
Macron Urges Europe to Act Like a Global Power Amid Rising Threats
French President Emmanuel Macron has renewed his call for Europe to assert itself as a global power, warning that the continent is facing a historic “wake-up call” amid rising geopolitical and economic pressures from China, Russia and even its traditional ally, the United States.
Speaking in an interview with a group of European newspapers ahead of a European Union summit scheduled to hold in Brussels later this week, Macron said Europe must move beyond rhetoric and begin to act decisively like a power, particularly in the areas of economy, finance, defence, security and democratic governance.
According to him, the changing global order demands a more self-reliant and confident Europe.
He noted that while Europe was once content with building a common market and preventing wars, it has consistently shied away from thinking in terms of power, a mindset he said must now change.
Macron used the opportunity to once again push for the creation of EU-wide mutualised loans, arguing that Europe needs a shared debt mechanism to fund its future.
He proposed the issuance of eurobonds to raise hundreds of billions of euros for large-scale industrial investments across the continent.
“The time has come to launch a shared debt capacity to fund our future expenses,” Macron said, adding that Europe needs ambitious programmes capable of financing its best projects in critical sectors.
However, his proposal is expected to face resistance, particularly from Germany and some northern European countries, which have in the past expressed scepticism over mutualised debt.
Critics argue that France is seeking to shift part of its domestic financial burden onto the wider EU, especially given its long-standing challenges with economic reforms.
Macron acknowledged France’s shortcomings, admitting that the country has never had a fully balanced economic model comparable to some northern European economies.
He also conceded that France did not undertake sweeping reforms in the 2010s like Portugal, Spain, Italy and Greece, reforms which he said are now yielding positive results.
Despite this, the French leader insisted that global financial markets are increasingly showing interest in mutualised European debt, partly due to growing uncertainty around the dominance of the US dollar.
He argued that investors are actively seeking credible alternatives and that Europe, with its strong democratic institutions and rule of law, is well positioned to fill that gap.
He contrasted Europe’s democratic appeal with what he described as authoritarian governance in China and what he sees as a gradual distancing of the United States from the principles of the rule of law.
Macron further disclosed that the 27-member European Union needs about €1.2 trillion annually to invest in strategic sectors such as defence and security, clean energy and artificial intelligence.
He urged the bloc to better protect these industries, noting that while China and the United States actively shield their strategic sectors, Europe remains the most open market in the world.
Late Afrobeat Pioneer, Fela Earns Historic Global Recognition.
Late Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, has been inducted into the prestigious Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, becoming the first Nigerian artist to receive the honor.
Naija News reports that the announcement marks another major global recognition for the iconic musician, decades after his passing.
Fela was inducted under the “Early Influence” category, alongside renowned global music figures such as Queen Latifah, Celia Cruz, MC Lyte, and Gram Parsons.
The list of inductees was unveiled in the United States during a live broadcast of the popular television show, American Idol.
Also recognized is Nigerian-born British singer, Sade Adu, who will be inducted in the “Performer” category.
She joins a lineup of global stars including Phil Collins, Billy Idol, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, Oasis, Luther Vandross, and Wu-Tang Clan.
Despite stiff competition, several high-profile nominees failed to make the final list. These include Shakira, Mariah Carey, Lauryn Hill, New Edition, and Pink.
Organizers disclosed that over 1,200 artists, historians, and music industry professionals participated in the voting process.
The induction ceremony is scheduled to take place on November 14 at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles.
Fela’s latest recognition comes just months after he made history in January as the first African musician to receive the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
The honor, coming nearly 30 years after his death, further cements his legacy as a global music icon and pioneer of Afrobeat.
It also follows the introduction of the Best African Performance category at the Grammy Awards two years ago, reflecting growing global recognition for African music.
Rihanna to Receive Edison Achievement Award for “Reshaping the World Through Innovation”
The Edison Achievement Awards ceremony will take place in Fort Myers, Florida on April 16. However, Rihanna won’t be making the trek as she is confirmed to accept virtually.
Rihanna is being singled out for her innovative skills.
The superstar singer and entrepreneur has been selected to receive an Edison Achievement Award, an honor doled out to recognize “individuals who are reshaping industries and the world through innovation.” The award is presented each year to groundbreakers “whose extraordinary contributions transcend expectations advancing human-centered design, accelerating meaningful change and redefining what’s possible within their fields.” Winners are plucked by a steering committee that zeroes in on recipients based on biography, impact and visionary practices.
The award ceremony will take place in Fort Myers, Florida on April 16. However, Rihanna won’t be making the trek as she is confirmed to accept virtually. Also set to be honored that night will be National Basketball Association commissioner Adam Silver.
“Rihanna has consistently pushed boundaries across music, beauty, fashion and philanthropy while setting new standards for creativity, inclusivity, and global influence,” said Frank Bonafilia, Edison Awards executive director. “She embodies the spirit of Thomas Edison, by using inclusive innovation as a catalyst for progress. We are honored to recognize her with this year’s award.”
In announcing the news, the Edison team cited Rihanna’s achievements in transforming the beauty industry with the launch of Fenty Beauty, hailed for its inclusive standards with the range of products, and building on that foundation and vision with an expansion that includes Fenty Skin, Fenty Hair and Savage X Fenty fashion line. In addition to her accomplishments in music, she also founded the Clara Lionel Foundation to give back.
Australia Gets Its First Female Army Chief, Susan Coyle.
Susan Coyle, currently chief of joint capabilities, is the first woman to be appointed head of any of the services in the Australian military.
Australia will get its first female chief of army, with the appointment of Lieutenant General Susan Coyle to the post. Coyle, currently chief of joint capabilities, is the first woman to be appointed head of any of the services in the Australian military.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the appointments of new military chiefs on Monday, ahead of the government unveiling its 2026 statement on defense strategy and investment later this week. The appointments commence in July.
The current Navy Chief, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, will become the new Chief of the Defence Force, replacing Admiral David Johnston.
Hammond has commanded submarines and the Australian fleet. He has been the Chief of the Navy since 2022. As the second naval officer in a row to serve as chief of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), his expertise is particularly relevant as Australia deals with the AUKUS agreement.
Coyle, who enlisted in the Army Reserves in 1987, has worked at the tactical, operational and strategic levels and in command roles. These include the commander of the Task Group Afghanistan and the commanding officer of the 17th Signal Regiment. She replaces Lieutenant General Stuart as Army Chief.
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