French President Emmanuel Macron warned on Tuesday that Europe would refuse to give in to “bullies” during a sharp speech. While addressing the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, he delivered a pointed message regarding international sovereignty and economic pressure.
Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen pledged an “unflinching” response to President Donald Trump’s renewed territorial claims over Greenland.
“Let us not accept a world order that is decided by those who claim to have the loudest voice or the strongest stick,” Macron said. The French leader, wearing sunglasses due to a temporary eye condition, remained firm in his stance against unilateral power plays. Furthermore, he urged the international community to focus on stability rather than disruption. “Let’s not waste time with crazy ideas. Let’s not open Pandora’s box,” he added.
Defending European Economic Interests
The tension follows President Trump’s recent proposals to take control of Greenland, a move that the European Union firmly opposes. Additionally, Trump has threatened to increase customs duties against European states that resist his administration’s latest territorial and economic goals. Consequently, the European Union may deploy its specialized anti-coercion policy to protect its member states from such external pressures.
This specific policy allows the EU to limit imports or restrict access to public markets when a foreign power uses coercion. “It’s a crazy situation in which the EU might have to use this for the first time against the United States,” Macron remarked. He emphasized that Europe now possesses very strong tools and must use them when foreign leaders fail to respect international rules.
Reaffirming the Global Order
Macron addressed the forum in English and clarified that no G7 meeting is currently scheduled for Thursday in Paris. However, he noted that France would be willing to organize a session in its capacity as the current group chair. “I want to make the G7 a forum for frank dialogue and for collective and cooperative solutions,” Macron told reporters.
Furthermore, Macron dismissed Trump’s proposal for a “Peace Council” that would require a $1 billion entry fee for permanent seats. This proposed body would compete directly with the United Nations, a move that European leaders view with significant skepticism. “France and Europe are committed to national sovereignty and independence, and to the United Nations and its charter,” Macron responded.
Questioning the Transatlantic Alliance
When reporters asked if Trump remains a reliable ally, Macron declined to offer a direct characterization of the American president. “It’s up to him to answer that question. His behaviour doesn’t quite fit with that,” the French President observed instead, insisting that his primary goal involves taking action rather than passing judgment on the personalities of other world leaders.
“I’m not here to judge or comment,” Macron added during the press conference. “I’m here to act. I defend the French economy when it is attacked by things that are unfair.” Ultimately, he reaffirmed his long-standing commitment to a stronger, more unified Europe that can withstand external aggression. “We must not be attacked or assaulted,” he concluded.
