Macron Urges EU to Become True Global Power, Reduce US Dependency, and Protect Industries

A Call for European Sovereignty and Strategic Autonomy

French President Emmanuel Macron has intensified his long-standing call for the European Union to evolve into a genuine global power, capable of asserting its own interests on the world stage. Speaking to several European newspapers, including Le Monde and the Financial Times, ahead of an informal EU summit on competitiveness in Belgium, Macron emphasized the need for Europe to reduce its dependency on the United States and to safeguard its industries from intense global competition.

Macron's vision, which he has consistently championed since his landmark Sorbonne speech in 2017, centers on the concept of 'strategic autonomy.' He warned against a 'false sense of security' regarding transatlantic relations, citing past tensions and potential future friction over trade and digital regulations. He characterized the current global landscape as a 'dual crisis,' facing both a 'Chinese tsunami on the trade front' and 'minute-by-minute instability on the American side.'

Protecting European Industries from 'Cheap Chinese Goods'

A significant part of Macron's argument focused on the economic threat posed by China. He described a 'tsunami' of cheap Chinese goods and 'massive excess capacities and distortive practices' that are undercutting European manufacturers. To counter this, the French President urged his EU counterparts to adopt a 'European preference' policy, favoring the bloc's own companies and technologies.

He specifically highlighted the need to protect critical sectors such as:

• Electric vehicles
• Renewable energy
• Chemicals
• Steel
• Automotive
• Defense

Macron stated that if Europe fails to 're-establish fair terms of trade,' it risks being 'swept away' in the next five years. He also suggested that China should boost domestic consumption and lower barriers to its own market.

Investing in the Future: Common Debt and Key Sectors

To achieve this enhanced sovereignty and competitiveness, Macron reiterated his call for massive joint investments, financed by common EU debt, often referred to as 'future-oriented Eurobonds.' He estimated that Europe requires approximately €1.2 trillion annually in public and private investment to boost competitiveness and reduce dependencies on the United States and China.

These investments, he argued, are crucial for Europe to win 'three battles':

• Security and defense
• Climate change mitigation technologies
• Artificial intelligence and quantum computing

Macron emphasized that Europe currently invests significantly less in these areas than China and the US, warning that without bold action, the bloc risks becoming a 'spectator of its own decline.'

Context of the EU Summit

Macron's statements were made in the run-up to an informal EU leaders' summit in a Belgian castle, where discussions are expected to focus on economic competitiveness and the bloc's future direction. While there is broad agreement on the need for a more competitive EU, proposals like common debt and 'Buy European' policies face resistance from some member states, including Germany and fiscally conservative northern countries, who are wary of protectionism and increased fiscal integration.