French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz spoke in Paris about the challenges posed by US President Donald Trump.
French president, Emmanuel Macronand the German Chancellor, Olaf ScholzThey met in Paris on Wednesday, where they emphasized: The strength and unity of Europe In the face of tariff threats from US President Donald Trump.
At the joint press conference held before the working dinner at the Elysee Palace, Macron assured that this was possible. A critical moment for France and Germany to take a leadership role and ensuring that Europe can defend its interests while preserving transatlantic ties.
“Now that the new administration has taken office in the United States, it is more important than ever that Europeans, and therefore both our countries, play their full part in this matter. consolidation of a united, strong and sovereign Europe” said Macron.
Scholz echoed Macron’s words, acknowledging that a Trump presidency would pose challenges, but still confirmed: The long-standing relationship between the EU and the USA. “We are facing a new American administration this week. It is already clear that President Trump will be challenging,” he said.
“Our position is clear. Europe is a large economic region with approximately 450 million citizens. We are strong. We stay united. “Europe will not crouch or hide,” Scholz added.
Trump said on Tuesday Will impose tariffs on EU due to trade surpluses He stated that this bloc with the US was “very, very bad for us”. He also threatened Canada, Mexico and China with heavy tariffs starting in February, and confused Spain with a BRICS member country by saying he was considering imposing 100% tariffs.
The European economy could be seriously affected
Macron and Scholz spoke steel, automobile and chemical industriesStating that they may be affected by US tariffs, he stated that these are vital for the EU economy. The German chancellor also stressed the need to further increase European defense cooperation, citing Franco-German initiatives to develop long-range precision weapons.
The French president stated that Europe should increase its defense spending and said, “develop its own industrial baseEarlier this month, Trump called on NATO’s 32 member states to allocate 5% of their GDP to defense, down from the current 2% target, and said European allies were falling short.
In addition to trade and tariff threats with the Trump Administration, Macron and Scholz also talked about: Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and Israel’s war in Gaza.
Scholz and Macron find themselves in precarious positions in their own countries. The first one is coming Bad results before the German elections The second election, planned to be held on February 23, was weakened by the early elections held last year and led to the division of the French Parliament.
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