@independent

French President Emmanuel Macron took a swipe at Brexit during his state banquet address at London's Guildhall on Wednesday (9 July). The French President said: "I'm very respectful of the voice of the people and the choice your country made nine years ago. But I have to say, the European Union was stronger with you, and you were stronger with the European Union."

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🇫🇷🇬🇧 Macron’s state visit to the UK unfolded as more than ceremonial grandeur.

From Windsor Castle’s stately grounds to high-level talks in Downing Street, each moment marked a deliberate stride toward reimagined relations. Together, France and the UK brokered agreements on migration, defense coordination, and cultural exchange—pillars for a new architecture built not on nostalgia, but strategy and trust.

🌐 With the establishment of a Paris-based military coordination hub and renewed commitment to shared sovereignty, the visit signals a shift: Europe isn’t simply responding to global tides—it’s composing its own rhythm.

🎧 Let "La marcheuse" accompany your reading—not as background music, but as emotional cadence. A sonic symbol for movement that’s both quiet and resolute. Europe, like the walker in the song, isn’t rushing—it’s choosing its steps with purpose.

🎶 🤝🌍✨🕊️🛤️🚶‍♀🇫🇷🇬🇧 🔊 La Marcheuse by Rahim Redcarn

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During his state visit to the UK, French President Emmanuel Macron made headlines by calling on Europe—particularly the UK and France—to reduce strategic dependencies on global powers like the US and China.

Standing in diplomatic elegance alongside British royals, Macron emphasized the importance of a united, self-reliant Europe, capable of shaping its own destiny in defense, technology, and economic resilience.

👑 More Than Ceremonial Gestures

Macron’s visit wasn’t just symbolic; it was strategic. From Windsor Castle handshakes to high-level talks in Downing Street, every moment underscored the rekindling of Franco-British ties. With shared challenges—from climate action to geopolitical tensions—the visit served as a subtle nudge: Europe must build bridges within, not just lean outward.

🌐 Redefining Alliances in a Shifting World

In the shadow of global uncertainty and economic recalibrations, Macron’s message resonates: dependence on external giants leaves Europe vulnerable. He encouraged deeper collaboration in areas like renewable energy, AI, and defense innovation—fields where joint leadership between France and the UK could spark a new European renaissance.

🤝 Historic Friendship, Future-Driven Focus

While royal pageantry brought tradition, the tone of this visit looked ahead. Macron and British officials exchanged ideas not just on trade, but on strategic unity, cultural exchange, and how post-Brexit Europe can harmonize more boldly. The message was clear: historic friendship must now evolve into forward-thinking partnership.

🇬🇧🇫🇷 A Renaissance of Franco-British Relations

During his three-day state visit to the United Kingdom, French President Emmanuel Macron embarked on a whirlwind of symbolic and strategic engagements aimed at renewing Franco-British ties. The visit began with regal grandeur at Windsor Castle, where Macron and his wife Brigitte were welcomed by King Charles III and Queen Camilla with a horse-drawn carriage procession, a 41-gun salute, and a lavish banquet. Macron paid his respects at the tomb of Queen Elizabeth II and strolled through the castle grounds with the king, discussing biodiversity and shared environmental goals. He then addressed both houses of Parliament in the Royal Gallery, emphasizing the need for European autonomy and deeper cooperation between France and the UK, particularly in defense, technology, and migration.

Macron’s meetings with Prime Minister Keir Starmer were equally substantive. Together, they unveiled a pilot migration agreement that would allow the UK to return small boat migrants to France, while accepting asylum seekers through a new legal route. This "one in, one out" scheme was hailed by Starmer as groundbreaking, gaining recognition across Europe and within the UK. The leaders also announced a reboot of defense ties, including joint development of Storm Shadow cruise missiles and coordination of nuclear deterrents under the Northwood Declaration. A new headquarters for the European-led “coalition of the willing” supporting Ukraine was established in Paris, and both leaders joined a videoconference with President Zelenskyy and other European heads to discuss peacekeeping plans.

Cultural diplomacy was also on display, with Macron formally announcing the loan of the Bayeux Tapestry to the British Museum—its first return to England in nearly a millennium—in exchange for Anglo-Saxon and Viking treasures. Throughout the visit, Macron’s message was clear: Europe must stand taller, reduce its dependence on global superpowers, and forge a future rooted in shared values and strategic unity.

🦸‍♂️ Europe Standing Taller

Macron’s call isn’t just political—it’s philosophical. In urging less reliance on global superpowers, he’s asking Europe to trust its own innovation, strength, and values. The UK and France, as two pillars of the continent, have a role to play in shaping a more autonomous future—one golden handshake at a time.

#EuropeUnited 🏰 #MacronInUK 🇫🇷🇬🇧 #StrategicAutonomy 🛡️ #PostBrexitEurope 🌍 #DiplomaticTies 🤝