BRUSSELS — French President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday that Europe must defend its commercial interests if it comes under attack in global trade disputes, calling for a stronger and more united European response to mounting economic pressures.
“If we’re attacked on trade, Europe must make itself respected and react,” Macron said ahead of an informal EU defense meeting in Brussels.
His remarks come amid heightened concerns over potential U.S. trade tariffs under President Donald J. Trump, who has already imposed sweeping levies on Mexico, Canada, and China. European leaders, meeting on Monday, were preparing for the possibility of similar measures targeting the EU economy.
Macron said recent developments—including the war in Ukraine and policy shifts under the new Trump administration—were pushing Europe to take a more assertive stance on collective security and economic policy.
“What’s happening in Ukraine, along with the decisions and statements from President Trump, are pushing Europeans to be more united and proactive,” he said.
He stressed that Europe must invest more in its defense industry, industrial and technological base, and economic self-sufficiency, adding that the bloc must prioritize a “European preference” in trade and defense strategy.
Trump has suggested that new tariffs on the EU could be introduced, adding that while his existing trade measures against Mexico, Canada, and China may cause “short-term” economic pain, they are necessary to achieve long-term benefits for American industry.
European leaders were expected to discuss potential retaliatory measures during Monday’s meeting, as both Canada and Mexico have already responded to Trump’s tariffs with countermeasures of their own.
Despite international backlash, Trump has signaled little willingness to reverse course, saying he would speak with Canadian and Mexican leaders but downplayed expectations that the talks would lead to policy changes.
