Macron criticizes Trump: "He wants Europe to disintegrate" — The EU should not bow and scrape; a showdown is coming this week.

French President Emmanuel Macron has given the strongest warning to date about US-Europe relations in a joint interview with media from six European countries, including Le Monde and the Financial Times.

Macron directly stated that the Trump administration is taking an “openly anti-European” stance, with the ultimate goal of pushing for the “dismemberment” of the European Union. He emphasized, “In the face of clear acts of aggression, I believe we should not bow or try to seek reconciliation.” He admitted that Europe’s diplomatic efforts over the past few months have been ineffective.

“Greenland Moment”

Using the controversy over Trump’s attempt to gain control of Greenland as an example, Macron called it Europe’s “Greenland moment,” urging EU leaders not to mistake the recent easing of US-EU tensions for a permanent shift in Washington’s policy.

In January, Trump announced that starting February 1, a 10% tariff would be imposed on all goods from Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the UK, citing opposition to US control of Greenland. He warned that if a “full and comprehensive purchase of Greenland” agreement was not reached by June 1, tariffs would rise to 25%. Additionally, he threatened to impose a 200% tariff on French wine.

In response, the eight countries issued a joint statement warning that tariffs could “undermine transatlantic relations and trigger a dangerous spiral of deterioration,” affirming their commitment to “remain united, coordinate responses, and defend our sovereignty.”

Digital Regulation as the Next Conflict

Macron further warned that the next flashpoint in US-Europe tensions will be digital regulation. He stated, “In the coming months, this is certain: the US will launch attacks on us over digital regulation.”

This directly targets the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) regulating US tech giants. If the EU insists on enforcing regulations on American tech companies, Washington may retaliate with new tariffs. Macron described Europe’s situation as a “dual challenge” from China and the US, characterizing it as a moment of rupture for Europe.

EU Summit This Week

Macron’s remarks serve as a prelude to the informal EU leaders’ summit on February 12 at Alden Biesen Castle in Belgium. Former European Central Bank President Mario Draghi and former Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta will also attend to discuss how to boost EU competitiveness.

Ahead of the summit, Macron proposed three major reforms:

• Promoting the issuance of EU joint bonds (eurobonds) to enable large-scale investments and challenge the dollar’s international dominance.
• Implementing a “Made in Europe” strategy, requiring products produced in Europe to contain a minimum proportion of local European components.
• Advocating “European preference”—a policy of protection rather than protectionism—calling for EU partners and France to increase investments in defense.

EU Has Its Own Trade Retaliation Tools

In response to Trump’s tariffs, the EU has not been without leverage. Macron previously urged the EU to activate the so-called “Trade Rocket”—the Anti-Coercion Instrument (ACI)—which can impose sanctions on individuals or entities deemed to be exerting undue pressure on the EU.

Additionally, last year, the EU approved retaliatory tariffs on US goods worth about 21 billion euros in response to the US imposing 25% tariffs on EU steel and aluminum.