France takes over the six-month presidency of the European Union on January 1, as French President Emmanuel Macron calls for a stronger, sovereign and united Europe.

Macron has long called for the EU to be the strongest world power, as he has called for the 27 bloc states to be more united.

"I would say that we must move from a Europe of co-operation within our borders to a more powerful Europe in the world, fully sovereign, free to choose," Macron said in a speech in December 2021. as he described the plans of the French Presidency.

One of France's proposals is to increase the "strategic sovereignty" of the European bloc, which would allow it to act more independently of the United States when it is in the EU's interest.

Macron also wants to advance progress on joint defense capabilities so that the EU does not depend on US security.

US and European officials have said that "strategic sovereignty" and defense projects are not a substitute for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

France also wants to increase coordination among member states on the issue of migration during its presidency of the EU, including the development of an emergency force that would respond to crises at the bloc's external borders.

Other priorities include raising the minimum wage in the bloc, more rules for digital giants, carbon taxes, environmental protection and changes to EU budget deficit rules.

On New Year's Eve, Macron, referring to the EU presidency, vowed that the next six months "will be a time of progress for you."

France plans to hold an EU summit in Paris on March 10 and 11, shortly before the French elections.

Presidential elections in France will be held in April and Macron is expected to run for another presidential term.

/ rel /