At the World Economic Forum in Davos, President Emmanuel Macron on January 20 unequivocally labeled Europe’s potential retaliation to American tariff threats as ‘madness.’ This sharp response follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s escalation, marked by a Truth Social outburst leaking private Macron messages and ongoing Greenland sovereignty rhetoric.
Macron minced no words: ‘The notion that the EU uses anti-coercion measures against ally America is insane.’ He slammed ‘new empire-building or colonialism’ as outdated and risky, pushing instead for unified action against territorial oversteps. Global focus, he argued, should remain on fostering growth, peace, and climate solutions—not unleashing unforeseen troubles.
Tensions encompass trade barriers, Greenland defenses, and international protocols, with Trump’s moves amplifying divides. ‘Tariffs on partners, division, extra threats—none of this is prudent,’ Macron reflected, attributing it to ‘unwarranted aggression’ that demands regret rather than reciprocity.
Spotlighting Europe’s virtues, he noted its occasional slowness merits fixes, yet affirmed its steadfastness. ‘Here, rules mean legal rules—a dependable space for now and the future.’ Macron pressed for a robust, independent EU to balance world inequities, integrating views on simplification drives and Ukraine crises.
As Davos convenes influencers, Macron’s stance spotlights unity’s fragility. By rejecting retaliatory paths, he charts a course toward constructive engagement, cautioning that straying invites Pandora-like perils in an already volatile geopolitical landscape.