Gabriel Attal, a French presidential candidate, has proposed the creation of a "United States of Europe" to position the continent as a "first global power." This idea, emerging in the run-up to France’s presidential election, follows the release of Bruno Le Maire’s "Manifesto for a Different France." In a speech in Reims on September 17, Attal called for a "Federation of Nation-States" centered on the six largest economies in the European Union: France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland, and the Netherlands. He argued that this group could advance in areas like defense, energy, and research more quickly than the full 27-nation EU, without needing unanimous agreement from all members. Attal’s vision is to "rekindle the European dream" by forming a core group of countries willing to integrate their economies more closely. This would not mean dissolving national borders or creating a new European superstate, but rather fostering a closer, voluntary economic alliance. "Europe must make a strong choice: the choice of unity, the choice of power," he said. He believes the current EU, with its 27 members, has reached its limits and that a fusion of economic and environmental policies must start with a smaller group of nations. He argues that European economies remain fragmented despite the existence of a single market and currency, as national barriers still hinder economic unity. According to Attal, corporate taxation, capital markets, and industrial policies are still largely controlled at the national level, creating inefficiencies. He proposes eliminating about 20 economic barriers among the core group, aligning taxation to reduce corporate tax competition, and jointly funding major projects in technology and energy. If elected, he plans to launch 10 to 12 joint projects quickly with the initial group of countries, eventually expanding to include other EU members. His long-term goal is to build a "single European economy" alongside the existing single market and currency. Attal also aims to reduce Europe’s dependence on American and Chinese technologies and energy. He warns against Europe becoming a "vassal" to other global powers, stating, "I do not want my generation to see Europe become the 51st American state or the 24th Chinese province." He cites the Draghi report on European competitiveness, which highlights how fragmentation limits the growth of European companies compared to their American and Chinese counterparts. He believes a more unified Europe could push new economic and technological frontiers, improving productivity and living standards for citizens.