French President Emmanuel Macron urged Europe to invest in its own collective security framework in the face of Russian military moves on the bloc’s doorstep. He also called for a “frank” EU dialogue with Russia in his address to the European Parliament at the start of France’s six-month rotating presidency of the European Council, writes France24.

Macron said Europeans needed to build their own collective security pact and re-arm themselves after Russia prompted fears of a Ukraine invasion with a significant troop buildup on the border.

“Europe needs to finally build its own collective security framework on our continent”, - he told lawmakers in Strasbourg in eastern France.

“Security on our continent requires strategic rearmament”, - he said, adding that “frank and demanding” talks with Russia were also required.

At the heart of the framework would be principles agreed with Russia 30 years ago, Macron said – including rejecting the use of force or coercion, giving states the “choice to accede to alliances or bodies that they wish to” and the “rejection of spheres of influence”.