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

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.

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.'

After new US administration took office on Monday, French president says France, Germany must 'play roles to reinforce united, strong, sovereign Europe' - Anadolu Ajansı

As Donald Trump returns to the White House on Monday, French President Emmanuel Macron is positioning himself as a crucial bridge between Europe and an administration that shows early signs of seeking to divide its traditional allies.

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.

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?