French President Emmanuel Macron told the World Economic Forum in Davos that Europe should not hesitate to use all available tools to protect its interests amid rising tensions with the United States.
Without naming Donald Trump directly, he criticised US competition for seeking to “subordinate Europe” and urged the continent to fix its internal weaknesses through innovation and private investment. He added that conflict has become normalised despite claims that some wars have been settled, another dig at Trump.
He warned against a return to imperialism or colonialism and instead called for cooperation to tackle global challenges.
Trump has threatened 200% tariffs on French wine and champagne after Macron declined to join his so-called Board of Peace initiative. French officials condemned the tariff threats as anti-cooperation and said they reinforced Macron’s long-standing push for European strategic autonomy. The confrontation unfolds ahead of an extraordinary EU summit and as Macron pledges stronger European defence and military spending.
Trump is due to speak in Davos on Wednesday
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