Macron Urges EU to Stand Firm Against Trade Wars
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France’s president warned against a return to protectionism, advocating for a strong European response to escalating trade tensions.
- French President Emmanuel Macron called for the European Union to be prepared to use its trade defense tools.
- He cautioned that a trade war between the U.S. and China would harm all parties involved.
- Macron highlighted rising tariffs on French wine and champagne as a consequence of trade disputes.
- He warned against a resurgence of “imperialism or colonialism” in global affairs.
DAVOS, Switzerland – French President Emmanuel Macron delivered a stark warning at the World Economic Forum in Davos, urging the European Union not to hesitate in utilizing all available mechanisms to protect its interests. Macron’s remarks came as he addressed growing concerns over escalating trade tensions and the potential for a global trade war.
A Looming Trade War?
Macron cautioned that a return to protectionist policies, particularly between the United States and China, would result in losses for everyone. “Restoring a commercial war, with protectionism on the part of the U.S. and overproduction on the part of China, will only produce losers,” he stated. He emphasized the need for Europe to be “strong” and leverage its “tools at its disposal,” specifically referencing the anti-coercion instrument as a “powerful” measure that should not be avoided.
The EU has never before activated this instrument, but Macron indicated the time may be right. He pointed to the recent surge in tariffs imposed by Washington, which now amount to a 200% increase on French wine and champagne. “We will feel it, but it is a consequence of not having so much predictability,” he acknowledged.
Europe’s Role in a Changing World
Macron characterized the current situation as a “competition” with the U.S., alleging that American trade policy aims to undermine European exporters and “weaken and subordinate Europe.” He deemed the imposition of tariffs “unacceptable if they are used to take advantage of territorial integrity.”
“It is not a time for a new imperialism or a new colonialism,” Macron declared, noting that there are currently more open conflicts globally than there were in 2024. He warned that the pursuit of power and imperial ambitions is overshadowing the international rules established in recent decades, stating, “we are killing the structure that would allow us to solve the situation.”
Macron began his address with a touch of irony, questioning the notion of a world characterized by “peace, stability, and predictability.” He underscored the detrimental effects of tariffs and advocated for the EU to activate its anti-coercion instrument to safeguard its internal market from distortions caused by third countries.
The tensions stem from disagreements with the U.S. administration, which recently escalated its tariff threats after eight EU countries sent troops to Greenland. Macron presented a choice: passively accept the rule of the strong and drift towards a world of blocs with a colonial approach, or defend multilateralism with greater European sovereignty, autonomy, and cooperation.
He also identified areas where Europe needs to improve, including per capita GDP growth, sovereignty, protection, simplification, and investment. While not advocating for outright protectionism, Macron proposed prioritizing European companies in contracts to level the playing field, noting that both the U.S. and China already protect their own markets, while Europe has been “naive” in leaving itself open to foreign interference.
