French President Emmanuel Macron has warned that recent easing in tensions with the United States should not be mistaken for a durable shift, saying pressure and intimidation toward Europe are likely to return.
Speaking in interviews published Tuesday across several European and international outlets, Macron framed the current moment as a test of Europe’s economic and political resilience amid growing uncertainty in transatlantic relations.
He argued that the European Union must respond collectively and decisively to safeguard its interests, warning that strategic hesitation would deepen dependence on external powers.
Macron described recent events surrounding Greenland as a critical lesson for Europe, referring to what he called the “Greenland moment.”
U.S. President Donald Trump had pledged to take control of Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory, citing national security concerns, before later retreating from the threat.
Macron said such reversals should not reassure European leaders, arguing that confrontational tactics remain central to Washington’s approach.
He described the Trump administration as “openly anti-European” and said it was seeking the EU’s “dismemberment.”
Macron warned that further disputes were likely, particularly if the EU enforces its Digital Services Act on U.S. technology companies.
He said the United States would “in the coming months – that’s certain – attack us over digital regulation,” potentially through new import tariffs.
The episode has contributed to a broader reassessment of transatlantic ties, already strained by disputes over trade, security commitments, and NATO spending.
Ahead of an EU competitiveness meeting in Belgium this week, Macron urged member states to accelerate long-delayed economic reforms.
He called for simplifying and deepening the single market, diversifying trade partnerships, and boosting investment to withstand pressure from both the United States and China.
Macron described the combined challenges as a “profound shock,” citing what he called a Chinese trade “tsunami” alongside instability in U.S. policy.
He renewed calls for common EU borrowing, arguing that large-scale investment in green technology, digital infrastructure, and defense would strengthen European autonomy.
Macron said Europe should pursue “protection, which is not protectionism, but rather European preference.”
While France has long supported shared debt issuance, resistance from Germany and other northern states remains strong.
Macron said the current climate underscored the urgency of acting together before external pressures intensify further.