French President Emmanuel Macron has said that Europeans needed to build their own collective security pact and re-arm themselves in the face of Russian military moves on the continent's doorstep.

Axar.az reports citing foreign media he told the European Parliament on Wednesday:

"Europe needs to finally build its own collective security framework on our continent."

"Security on our continent requires strategic rearmament," he added, saying that "frank and demanding" talks with Russia were also required.

"As Europeans, we need to collectively make our own demands and put ourselves in a position to enforce them," he added.

The European Union was not involved in direct talks with Moscow during a week of diplomacy last week to try to soothe tensions caused by Russia's decision to mass tens of thousands of troops on its border with Ukraine.

European defence is primarily assured by the US-led NATO military alliance, of which most EU states are members.