Macron and Montenegro leaders call for a stronger, independent EU

French President Emmanuel Macron marked Europe Day by urging citizens to be proud of Europe and to build a "strong, powerful and independent" Union. He stressed the goal of making Europe the most ecological continent, a leader in innovation, technology and industrial sovereignty, capable of reducing strategic dependencies and defending democratic and humanist values. Macron cited the EU’s swift response to recent crises – the pandemic, economic turbulence and the war in Ukraine – and noted his dedication to the European project since taking office in 2017.

Montenegro’s prime minister echoed the call for a more robust Union, highlighting Portugal’s ongoing commitment to creating a "stronger, competitive, cohesive and influential" EU as the country celebrates 40 years of membership. The remarks underline a shared political emphasis on deepening European integration and competitiveness.