French President Emmanuel Macron has openly criticized the EU’s recent trade deal with the United States, stating that the bloc did not demonstrate enough strength during the negotiations. According to sources cited by Euractiv, Macron emphasized that the EU ‘has not been feared enough,’ a phrase that has sparked considerable discussion about the implications of his remarks.
The agreement, signed during a high-profile meeting between US President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at Trump’s Turnberry golf resort in Scotland, outlined several key provisions. A 15% tariff was imposed by the US on most EU exports, while the EU committed to investing $600 billion in the US economy and purchasing $750 billion in American energy over the next three years. Notably, the US did not impose any tariffs on its exports to the EU as part of the deal.
Macron’s comments, delivered at the Council of Ministers in Paris, suggested a desire to see the EU adopt a stronger, more assertive stance in its dealings with the United States. He reportedly expressed regret that the EU ‘does not yet see itself sufficiently as a power,’ a comment that could be interpreted as a criticism of the bloc’s unified approach to foreign policy and trade negotiations. His remarks come amid growing internal political tensions within both France and the EU, particularly regarding the direction of the bloc’s economic and trade strategies.
French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou has also voiced concerns about the deal, calling it a form of ‘submission’ during a recent speech. Government spokesperson Sophie Primas has stated that while Macron acknowledges some benefits of the agreement, particularly for French businesses, he views the deal as ‘incomplete.’ These criticisms highlight the internal divisions within the French government and the broader European Union regarding the implications of the trade agreement and its potential long-term impact on EU-US relations.
Despite the criticism, the deal represents a significant step in the evolving relationship between the EU and the US. However, the manner in which it was negotiated—particularly the location of the talks at a private golf resort—has drawn further scrutiny. As the EU continues to navigate its complex trade relationships, the internal dynamics and political stakes involved will likely shape the future of its economic and foreign policy strategies.