Macron warns against ‘new colonial approach’ after Trump says ‘no going back’ on Greenland

 

Don't waste time with crazy ideas, Macron says, as he rejects 'new imperialism or colonialism'

Macron ends his Q&A with a direct call to “not waste time with crazy ideas.”

“Let’s not open Pandora box or new topics.

And 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.”

Like, look, I know I said it earlier, but there’s absolutely no doubt in my mind that a substantial part of that is aimed at no one else but the US president, Donald Trump.

What a time to be alive.  

 

 

 

'Crazy' to think of EU having to respond to 'useless aggressivity' of US tariff threats, Macron says

In Q&A, Macron talks about the need to push ahead with Europe’s simplification agenda, as he also talks about other key issues, such as Ukraine.

But he also picks up on Trump’s threat of tariffs.

He says it “doesn’t make sense to have tariffs and be divided and even to threaten now with additional tariffs” among allies.

He says the idea the EU could deploy its anti-coercion instrument for the first time against its ally in the US is “crazy”.

“I do regret that, but this is a consequence of just unpredictability and useless aggressivity.” 

 

 

'We prefer respect over bullies,' Macron says as pitches Europe 

Macron talks up the importance of Europe saying maybe it is “sometimes … too slow, for sure, and needs to be reformed, sure, but which is predictable, loyal and where you know that the rules of the game are just the rule of law” but it remains “a good place, for today and tomorrow.”

He says in order to “fix global imbalances” Europe needs to be “much stronger and more autonomous.”

He says:

“We do believe that we need more growth, we need more stability in this world.

But we do prefer respect [over] bullies … and we do prefer rule of law [over] brutality.

You’re welcome in Europe, and you are more than welcome to France.”

Erm.

Anyone in particular you’re targeting your words at, Emmanuel? 

 

 

Macron talks about Europe's trade response to US, China policies

Macron goes into detail on his trade thinking as he responds to what the EU should do to respond to the US and Chinese more assertive policies.

He says Europe needs to be “more realistic” about how they respond this as there are sectors – he points to chemical and automotive – “that are being literally killed” by the lack of level playing field.

He also calls for the EU to “advance the principle of European preference” in the same way it works in the US.

But he says that doesn’t mean isolationism, but playing within the rules, as he says that for example Chinese foreign direct investment in Europe is welcome – but it needs to respect the same standards and rules.

He then turns to similar themes as in von der Leyen’s speech, talking about the need to cut red tape and simplify the regulations 

He says the 450 million EU inhabitants need to be open as the domestic market for all EU companies, reducing barriers and promoting innovation and competitiveness.

Just like von der Leyen, he also talks about the capital market union. 

 https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2026/jan/20/europe-greenland-donald-trump-davos-europe-live-latest-updates