Macron warns of renewed tensions with U.S., urges EU to push reforms

French President Emmanuel Macron has warned that Europe should prepare for fresh friction with the U.S. and treat what he called the ‘Greenland moment’ as a signal to strengthen the European Union’s economic and political power.

In comments published on Tuesday, Macron said a recent easing of tensions with Washington should not be seen as lasting, arguing that disagreements over trade, technology and regulation are likely to continue.

He urged EU leaders to use an upcoming summit in Belgium to accelerate long-delayed reforms aimed at boosting competitiveness and improving the bloc’s ability to respond to pressure from both the U.S. and China.

Macron said the current U.S. administration has taken positions he described as “openly anti-European,” and warned that new disputes could emerge over Europe’s digital regulation, including the enforcement of rules targeting major technology companies.

“The U.S. will, in the coming months attack us over digital regulation,” he said.

The French leader also cautioned that Europe faces a dual economic challenge, citing strong competition from China alongside unpredictable policy moves from Washington.

He renewed his call for deeper financial integration within the EU, including expanded joint borrowing to support large-scale investment and strengthen Europe’s global influence. Macron argued that common European debt could provide investors with an alternative as confidence in the U.S. dollar shows signs of fluctuation.
 

• Europe faces rising tensions with an unpredictable U.S. as strategic shifts gain momentum

EU countries previously issued joint debt to support recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic but proposals to make such tools permanent have faced resistance from several northern member states.

Discussions at the upcoming summit are also expected to include plans for a ‘Made in Europe’ strategy that would prioritise European-produced goods. The proposal has divided EU governments and raised concerns among some industries.

Macron said Europe must pursue what he called “protection, which is not protectionism,” arguing that strengthening domestic capacity is essential if the bloc is to remain competitive on the global stage.

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