Macron’s remarks came as part of his opening speech at the Middle East Mediterranean (MEM) Summer Summit 2020.“The Mediterranean Sea, which has for so long fed and enriched our common history, shaped our identity, carried our myths and irrigated our cultures, has violently roared again this summer,” he added.
Macron noted that the Mediterranean today is seen in only as the source of illegal immigration from the southern shore, or, from the point of view war zones present in the Middle East.
“Consequently, we need to rethink another form of European demography, one in which we succeed in rebuilding Europe with projects for the free movement of talents,” he asserted.
The French President also argued that a development programme should be launched involving the universities, culture, technology, industry, economy and politics on both sides of the Mediterranean Sea.
Macron explained that the Mediterranean is gradually returning to its previous role as a transit route. He added that, unsurprisingly, these routes precisely reflect the routes and extraction of oil and gas that have created the tensions currently on show in the Eastern Mediterranean.
He pointed out that some of the “legal squabbles” currently being witnessed in the region are to achieve reciprocal recognition of the delimitation of sovereignties or of special economic zones.
“It is a collective and regional challenge to build a ‘pax mediterranea’ around this issue of energy and enhance economic opportunities with coexistence in such limited space, but it is our duty to make sure that this energy issue does not become the subject of dispute,” the president added.
“I believe that the Mediterranean cannot turn into a battleground where super powers clash with each other,” he clarified, “Instead, we need to build a mechanism of political cooperation.”
This cooperation will guarantee much of the EU’s stability regarding the Western Balkans, Russia and Turkey, Macron said, adding that it will also guarantee a lasting and balanced cooperation between Africa and the EU.
He claimed that the stability, safety and security of the Mediterranean Sea which was put in place by NATO has gradually eroded over time, or has largely been withdrawn due to the US presence in the region.
“We notice that it [regional stability] continues to be affected by the lack of progress in the Middle East peace process, including the impossibility to find a solution, and the violation of international law,” he said.
This year has witnessed a reconfiguring of the forces at work by a US mediation that has profoundly changed the situation, Macron added.
The French President noted that the conflicts in Syria and Libya are distinguished by the continued mistakes of Western powers that have failed to build peace in the region, and failed to replace solutions to an imperial sovereignty they contested.
He added, “The situation in both Libya and Syria is endless warfare, with the two regional powerhouses of Russia and Turkey re-emerging, each with their own agenda.”
‘Our point of view won't always win’: Ob…
06-11-2024
Former President Barack Obama congratulated Trump and Vance on their victory while acknowledging the disappointment of those hoping for a different outcome. He emphasized the importance of a peaceful transfer...
Read moreBibi's firing of Israel defence chief dr…
06-11-2024
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's dismissal of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has ignited controversy and protests across Israel. Gallant's opposition to Netanyahu's handling of the Hamas war, particularly regarding a...
Read moreCongratulations pour in, except from Rus…
06-11-2024
World leaders reacted to Donald Trump's election victory with a mix of caution and optimism. While some expressed hope for improved relations, others emphasized the need for unity and coordination...
Read moreTrump's erratic foreign policy set to me…
06-11-2024
As Donald Trump returns to the political stage, questions arise about his foreign policy plans. Supporters believe his strong personality will influence world leaders, while critics point to his past...
Read moreRe-election set to stall criminal cases …
06-11-2024
Despite facing four criminal prosecutions, Donald Trump's election victory effectively halts legal proceedings against him during his presidency. While he can dismiss federal cases, the New York hush money case...
Read more'Samosa Caucus' puffs up from 5 to 6 in …
06-11-2024
Six Indian Americans, including Suhas Subramanyam, the first from the East Coast, have secured victories in the House of Representatives elections. The incumbent Indian-American members, Ami Bera, Raja Krishnamoorthi...
Read moreX-factor: Elon set to be Trump's Muskete…
06-11-2024
Elon Musk, a staunch supporter of Donald Trump, celebrates the billionaire's return to the White House. Musk's influence is expected to soar in a Trump 2.0 administration, potentially securing him...
Read moreBarron anointed child, Melania jewel in …
06-11-2024
Body language expert Judi James said Melania's styling was corporate and her poses on Election Night were confident and strong. Barron who is remarkable for his 6'9'' height and...
Read more'Unlike Nate Silver who will try to...':…
06-11-2024
On Election Night, Nate Silver announced that he was pulling his prediction model because it wasn't "capturing the story of this election night well." Nate Silver washed his hands off...
Read moreMAGA supporters enjoy The View's meltdow…
06-11-2024
"Think about this. She did this in two months. She [Kamala] did what she did. She was everywhere. She talked to everybody, and people didn’t come out. I don’t...
Read moreWho is Donald Trump's ice maiden 'Susie…
06-11-2024
66-year-old Susie Wiles was immersed in every aspect of Donald Trump's 2024 campaign. As Donald Trump described her, she is always in the background and likes to remain away from...
Read moreUS election results 2024: Donald Trump, …
06-11-2024
Donald Trump's projected second term promises a radical reshaping of American society, with a focus on mass deportation, the curtailing of reproductive rights, and the consolidation of presidential power. His...
Read moreTrump has won the US presidential polls…
06-11-2024
Donald Trump, in his second presidential transition, is prioritising loyalty in his appointments, including figures like Robert Kennedy Jr. and Elon Musk. This transition, managed by family and close...
Read moreDid Kari Lake, Ted Cruz, AOC, Anna Pauli…
06-11-2024
Republican Ted Cruz, another closely watched senator, won a third term in the US Senate from Texas. He defeated US Rep Colin Allred. This was another election that pollsters predicted...
Read moreUS chooses Donald Trump: Climate change …
06-11-2024
Donald Trump's return to the White House threatens global climate action. His pro-fossil fuel stance and potential withdrawal from the Paris Agreement could hinder emissions reduction efforts. While local initiatives...
Read more'Holy smokes! Literally nothing?' CNN an…
06-11-2024
CNN anchor Jake Tapper's shock at learning that Kamala Harris did not outperform Joe Biden's 2020 results in a single state on Election Night went viral. "Holy smokes! Literally nothing?...
Read morePoll 'Nostradamus' Allan Lichtman to 'as…
06-11-2024
"I want to thank all the loyal members, subscribers, and viewers of our live show. We will go on and are assessing last night’s results. Please tune in on Thursday...
Read moreKamala Harris and major Dems fall silent…
06-11-2024
Kamala Harris has not spoken yet and neither conceded the election. Harris canceled her Election Night speech and all major Democrats and Dem social media handles fell silent. "All...
Read more'Project 2025 was real the whole time' p…
06-11-2024
Project 2025 resurfaced as the talking point after Donald Trump claimed victory in an election which was thought closer than a coin toss. Project 2025 was a 900-page policy wish...
Read more'I'm gonna f**k you up': Cardi B's meltd…
06-11-2024
Cardi B hurled abuses and broke down during an Instagram live when a fan asked her to be present at the Trump inauguration. “I swear to god I’m gonna f**k...
Read more