On Thursday, September 17, 2026, Gabriel Attal, a former French prime minister, outlined his vision for a "United States of Europe" during a speech in Reims, as he prepares for the 2027 presidential election. His proposal envisions transforming the European Union into a federal structure, emphasizing the integration of economic, technological, and ecological policies, as well as reforms to European institutions. Yves Bertoncini, a former leader of the Mouvement Européen-France and a current European affairs consultant, offered his analysis of Attal's speech and the broader political context. During his speech, Attal used the slogan "Building the United States of Europe," echoing themes that align with the policies of current President Emmanuel Macron. Bertoncini noted that while Attal honored Macron’s legacy, he also sought to differentiate himself from former Prime Minister Édouard Philippe, describing Philippe as representing the right-wing political spectrum, excluding the far right. This positioning helps Attal carve out a unique space in the European policy debate. Bertoncini contrasted Attal's approach with that of Raphaël Glucksmann, another European-focused candidate. While both target the same electorate, Glucksmann is described as having a more emotional and civilizational approach, shaped by his personal experiences. In contrast, Attal is seen as more strategic and technocratic, aligning closely with Macron’s political trajectory. According to Bertoncini, Attal is tapping into a growing sentiment among French citizens who support a more unified Europe, a topic that has been largely sidelined due to political divisions in recent years. Attal’s vision is to bring together those who strongly support European integration to address global instability and rising international tensions. In terms of institutional reform, Attal proposed the direct election of a European Union president by universal suffrage, a move that could shift power dynamics within the EU. Bertoncini observed that Attal is pushing for changes in the Council of the EU, aiming to reduce the influence of the "vétocratie," or vetoocracy, where a few member states can block decisions. This strategy mirrors the way past European initiatives, such as the Schengen Area and the Euro currency, were implemented through cooperation among willing states. However, Bertoncini pointed out that Attal’s federalism is limited in scope, focusing primarily on economic issues while largely ignoring broader security and defense matters. He suggested that a more comprehensive European strategy would require addressing border control, the creation of a European border guard force, and enhanced police and judicial cooperation—challenges that become increasingly complex with 27 member states. While Attal draws inspiration from the United States in terms of economic productivity, Bertoncini noted that his vision lacks a deeper reflection on European identity. The European model, he argued, is built on a balance between economic efficiency, social cohesion, and environmental sustainability, all within a democratic framework. This balance, he said, is a key distinction from the American model, which places greater emphasis on economic growth at the expense of other priorities.