Macron’s visit—hosted by King Charles—marked the first state-level trip to Britain by a European Union head of state since the UK formally exited the EU in 2020. Mixing ceremonial pageantry with geopolitical messaging, Macron used the moment to highlight the need for transnational European partnerships in an increasingly unstable world.

Standing before British lawmakers at Westminster on July 8, Macron emphasized that, despite Brexit, the UK and France still share fundamental values and responsibilities. “The United Kingdom cannot stay on the sidelines,” he warned. “Because defence and security, competitiveness, democracy—the very core of our identity—are connected across Europe as a continent.”

Macron also underscored the importance of reducing European reliance on both the United States and China, advocating for a Europe that is economically, militarily, and politically autonomous.

Migration Crisis And Peace In Ukraine

A key item on the agenda was irregular migration, particularly cross-Channel crossings from France to the UK. Macron urged a joint approach based on “humanity, solidarity and firmness,” highlighting the moral and security challenges posed by smuggling networks. “The hope for a better life is legitimate,” he said, “but we must not allow criminal gangs to exploit that hope.”

The UK has previously struck agreements with France to expand coastal patrols and intelligence sharing, but over 44,000 irregular crossings were still recorded by March 2025—a 14% increase from the previous year. The Migration Observatory reported a record 14,800 small boat arrivals in the first five months of 2025 alone.

Beyond migration, Ukraine dominated the strategic dialogue. Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer reaffirmed their support for Ukraine and pledged to lead European efforts to establish an international peacekeeping force. While U.S. President Donald Trump has been reluctant to back such a plan, European leaders continue to press ahead.

“Europeans will never abandon Ukraine—never,” Macron said firmly, citing the need for European troops and equipment to support any eventual ceasefire. A videoconference on the matter is scheduled later this week, with Macron and Starmer expected to join other European leaders in finalizing initial steps.

A New Chapter In European Cooperation?

Macron’s visit and parliamentary speech suggest a clear intent to revive the UK-France partnership on terms shaped by common values rather than EU membership. His remarks reinforced the notion that Britain, even outside the Union, remains a core player in defending European democracy and global order.

While the visit offered no binding policy breakthroughs, it served as a symbolic reset—one that could shape Europe’s approach to collective security, economic strategy, and geopolitical autonomy in the years ahead.