French President Emmanuel Macron used a high-profile speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos to warn that Europe must be ready to defend its interests amid rising geopolitical tensions and trade threats from U.S. President Donald Trump. Without naming Trump directly, Macron criticised efforts to «subordinate Europe,» calling for greater innovation, private investment and strategic autonomy, and concluding that Europe «prefers respect to bullies» and the rule of law over brutality.
The remarks come as relations between Paris and Washington have deteriorated after Trump published private messages from Macron and threatened 200% tariffs on French wine and champagne. French officials have condemned the tariff threats as anti-cooperation and signalled support for activating the EU’s anti-coercion mechanism. Macron’s speech set the stage for Trump’s own anticipated address at Davos, as transatlantic tensions over trade, security and Greenland continue to mount.
Kurisiv Uzbekistan also reports that U.S. President Donald Trump said he would impose a 200% tariff on French wine and champagne, claiming the move would pressure French President Emmanuel Macron to join his proposed Board of Peace.
