
Emmanuel Macron's 2026 New Year's address centered on France's leadership in European digital regulation for minors and highlighted ongoing challenges in continental defense cooperation.
The speech outlined key priorities for France and the European Union for the coming year.
President Macron advocated for a Europe wide ban on social media for minors under 15, building on France's recent national legislation. This initiative aligns with signals that "Macron now wants all of Europe to follow" France's move to keep children off social media until 15.
Macron also addressed France's position within a complex geopolitical landscape, where its current influence score is 26/100. Challenges in European defense integration remain prominent, as GeoGazet tracking notes "France and Germany struggle to get their act together on European defence."