A Useful Failure: Macron's Overture to Russia

Throughout his presidency, French President Emmanuel Macron has promoted a rapprochement between the European Union and Russia. He conceived it as a means to two ends: the strengthening of the EU and the protection of what he has referred to as ‘European civilisation’. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has shown that Macron’s gamble has failed. As a result, some adjustments to Macron’s foreign policy with respect to Russia are necessary and under way. Other aspects of his European policy, however, remain sensible and more relevant than ever.