It was a French election, to elect a French president. But Emmanuel Macron took to the stage below the quintessentially French Eiffel Tower on April 24 for his victory speech to the sound of the European anthem, Beethoven's "Ode to Joy". He told his supporters that their fellow electors had chosen "a more independent France and a stronger Europe". Many of them waved EU flags, as well as the French tricolore. So what does the re-election of "Monsieur Europe" mean for the Union and France's place in it? We speak to MEPs from the two European political groups represented by Emmanuel Macron and his rival Marine Le Pen.

Produced by Perrine Desplats, Georgina Robertson, Isabelle Romero and Sophie SamailleThe action was co-financed by the European Union in the frame of the European Parliament's grant programme in the field of communication. The European Parliament was not involved in its preparation and is, in no case, responsible for or bound by the information or opinions expressed in the context of this action. In accordance with applicable law, the authors, interviewed people, publishers or programme broadcasters are solely responsible. The European Parliament can also not be held liable for direct or indirect damage that may result from the implementation of the action.

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