French President Emmanuel Macron has issued a stark warning to the European Union, stating that "American intimidation" has not ceased despite recent de-escalations in tension. Speaking to European media outlets, including Le Monde, Macron urged the bloc to prioritize "European Preference" to protect its domestic industries and strategic sovereignty.
Macron cautioned against a "false sense of security" among European leaders, noting that U.S. pressure frequently targets vital sectors such as pharmaceuticals and digital technology. He argued that seeking compromises or retreating under external pressure is an ineffective strategy that only serves to "increase Europe's dependency" on Washington.
Protecting Strategic Industries The French President called for a unified European response to what he termed "outright aggression." He proposed strengthening the European economic framework by deepening the internal market and diversifying trade partnerships. Specifically, he advocated for a policy of favoring European products—particularly in clean tech, chemicals, steel, automotive, and defense—to counter aggressive competition from both the United States and China.
Financial and Defense Integration To fund these ambitions, Macron revived the proposal for common European debt. He suggested a unified borrowing mechanism to issue "future-oriented Eurobonds" to cover the estimated €1.2 trillion annual investment needed for the continent's green transition, digital shift, and security.
On the defense front, Macron reaffirmed the necessity of the Future Combat Air System (SCAF), a joint project to develop a European fighter jet. Despite industrial friction between French and German firms, he insisted that strategic goals must override corporate disputes. Macron indicated he would soon discuss these matters with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to ensure that critical projects, including the joint Main Ground Combat System (MGCS) tank, remain on track.
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