Emmanuel Macron presented a plan for the reform of the European Union

French President Emmanuel Macron announced a detailed plan for the reform of the European Union, calling for greater compromise on major and key issues, world media report, according to the Patria agency.

Macron expressed hope that Great Britain could return to a reorganized European Union.

In a speech lasting an hour and a half at the Sorbonne University, Macron presented a new vision for the European Union, which is currently facing a major crisis, the burden of right-wing nationalism, mass migrations, and Brexit.

Macron proposed the formation of a joint rapid response military unit, a common defense budget, a unified European asylum system, and EU border police. He also emphasized that eurozone countries must have a single common budget and finance minister.

- The Europe we know is too weak, too slow, inefficient, but only Europe gives us the opportunity to act on the world stage against major, contemporary challenges - Macron stated.

Macron ran his campaign for French president on a strong pro-European platform. In his speech, he called for the introduction of a unified EU corporate tax by 2020, noting that member states that refuse its implementation should be denied aid from Brussels.

The French president also called for a reform of the common agricultural policy, i.e., the subsidy system, including stricter measures to combat fraud and corruption. France is traditionally the largest recipient of subsidies and a fierce defender of the status quo regarding the common agricultural policy.

He also proposed increasing aid to Africa, which he said should no longer be seen as a problem, but as a partner. As measures to finance this aid, he proposed extending the British real estate transaction tax system to the entire EU, and increasing taxes on fossil fuels as a means of transforming the economic model into a more environmentally friendly system, Telegram writes.

- The only path that ensures our future is building Europe as a sovereign, united, and democratic community - said Macron.

Macron also said that Great Britain could return to the EU once his plan is implemented.

- In a few years, if they wish, the United Kingdom could find its place. In this reformed and simpler European Union that I propose, I cannot imagine that the UK could not find its place - Macron emphasized.