French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday called on Europe to act decisively to protect its economic and political interests. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, he said Europe should “not hesitate to deploy” the tools available to it.
His remarks came against the backdrop of rising trade threats and diplomatic tensions with the United States, especially following the release of private messages exchanged with US President Donald Trump.
Criticism of US competition at Davos
According to a Euro News report, Macron addressed a packed hall while wearing aviator sunglasses and openly criticised American competition. He said the United States aims to “subordinate Europe.”
He stressed the need for stronger innovation and increased private investment across the continent, adding that “Europe clearly has to fix its key issues.”
Although Macron did not name Trump directly, he made several indirect remarks aimed at the US president throughout his speech, the report said.
From humour to warning on global instability
Macron began his speech on a light note. “It’s time of peace, stability and predictability,” he said, drawing laughter from the audience.
However, his tone soon turned serious. He warned that the world has shifted toward “instability and imbalance” and said that “conflict has become normalised.”
Referring to global unrest in recent times, he added, “I hear some of them have been settled.”
Call against imperialism and coercion
Macron emphasised the need for cooperation rather than domination in global affairs. “It’s not a time for new imperialism or new colonialism. This is a time of cooperation in order to fix these three global challenges for our fellow citizens,” he said.
He ended his address with a strong message on values and leadership. “We do prefer respect to bullies. And we do prefer rule of law to brutality.”
Tensions rise after Trump releases private messages
Macron’s comments followed a fresh diplomatic spat after Trump made public private messages exchanged between the two leaders. These messages concerned Greenland and a proposed G7 meeting in Paris that would include Russian representatives.
In one of the messages, Macron wrote to Trump, “My friend … I do not understand what you are doing on Greenland. Let us try to build great things.”
Tariff threats and EU response
The disagreement intensified after France refused to join Trump’s Board of Peace initiative. In response, Trump threatened steep tariffs on French exports.
“Well, nobody wants him because he’s going to be out of office very soon. I’ll put a 200% tariff on his wines and champagnes and he’ll join,” Trump told reporters.
Before Macron’s Davos speech, the Elysee Palace criticised this approach, calling it “anti-cooperation and a fundamentally flawed method.” Officials said the dispute reinforces Macron’s long-standing push for European strategic autonomy.
French officials have also suggested using the European Union’s anti-coercion instrument. This mechanism could allow the EU to restrict the operations of US companies in Europe if economic pressure continues.
Arctic tensions and military expansion
The dispute over Greenland comes as France increases its military presence in the Arctic. Around 15 French soldiers are already stationed in Nuuk, with more assets being sent to the region.
Speaking earlier at Istres Air Base, Macron outlined France’s defence strategy. “To remain free, one must be feared, and to be feared, one must be powerful. To be powerful in this brutal world, we must act faster and stronger,” he said.
He also announced €36 billion in additional military spending through 2030.
Davos spotlight shifts to Trump
Macron’s address has set the stage for Trump’s special speech on Wednesday, which is expected to dominate discussions at the five-day forum.
It remains unclear whether the two leaders will meet in Davos, though sources said talks on Ukraine have not been ruled out. The United States has sent its largest-ever delegation to the forum, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff.