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.
