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Europe is gripped by a "civil war", Emmanuel Macron warned today in a passionate pro-EU speech.

In a powerful address, the French President warned there is a rise of selfishness and "fascination with the illiberal" that makes clinging to European ideals all the more vital.

He said the EU and its values must be treasured - or cave in to a "deadly tendency that might lead our continent to the abyss".

Calling for a "new European sovereignty", the former investment banker told the European Parliament in Strasbourg: "We have a context of division and indeed doubt in Europe.

"Brexit is still being discussed and worked on... But there is doubt in a number of European countries.

"And month after month we're seeing views and sensibilities emerge which call into question certain fundamental [things].

"There seems to be a sort of European civil war.

(Image: REUTERS) (Image: REUTERS)

"National selfishness and egotism seems to take precedence over what brings us together.

"There is a fascination with the illiberal and that's growing all the time."

He warned that in the era of international conflicts like Syria and the rise of "authoritarian powers", "Europe has a greater than ever responsibility".

Macron, who took office less than a year ago and has joined UK and US airstrikes on Syria, did not mention Russia by name.

But he highlighted the EU's treatment of minorities and its liberal values and asked where else in the world that exists.

As he spoke left-wing MEPs from the European United Left–Nordic Green Left held up placards against the bombing in Syria.

"Hands Off Syria!", they declared.

(Image: REUTERS) (Image: REUTERS)

Mr Macron called for reform to the EU's monetary policy - but said ties went further, to a "feeling of belonging" to Europe.

"We've got to rethink the way in which we act," he said. "We can't just carry on as if this is any old debate.

"Because in the future we must struggle to defend our ideals.

(Image: REUTERS)

"If we decide to give up on democracy and on attachment to democracy and everything that goes with it, we will be on the wrong track.

"We must build a new European sovereignty which will give a clear and firm response to our citizens and show we can protect them. We can give a reply to what they're concerned about."

He added: "In these difficult times, European democracy is our best chance.

"The worst possible mistake would be to give up on our model and our identity."

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker lavished praise on the French President's speech.

He said: "I want to express my emotion and friendship, when I hear the French president expressing himself in the way that he has.

"The real France is back."