Macron urges Europe to be more assertive amidst uncertainties surrounding the upcoming U.S. election.

• As the U.S.'s future relations with Europe remain uncertain, French President Emmanuel Macron stated on Wednesday that Europe must become more assertive on the global stage.
• Macron suggested that Europe should chart its own course on significant matters instead of being overly dependent on its transatlantic ally.

As the U.S.'s future relations with Europe remain uncertain, French President Emmanuel Macron stated on Wednesday that Europe must become more assertive on the global stage.

Macron suggested that Europe should chart its own course on significant matters instead of being overly dependent on its transatlantic ally.

In 2024, Europeans must demonstrate their ability to be more prominent and make greater efforts, regardless of events in the United States, as stated at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

The conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as the climate transition, are key concerns for Macron, he stated.

As U.S. support for the conflict in Ukraine declines, particularly among Republicans, including Trump, who sees the ongoing war as expensive and unrelated to U.S. priorities.

Trump's pushback contributed to the Euroskepticism that he frequently expressed during his presidency.

The potential reelection of Trump was a major topic of discussion at Davos, despite his absence from the event, following his victory in the Iowa caucuses on Monday.

Europe caught in the middle of U.S.-China tensions

The year-end presidential election could exacerbate tensions between the U.S. and China, as Macron expressed concern about this possibility.

Despite the U.S.'s growing criticism of China and efforts to sever ties in key industries, Europe's stance has been more ambiguous due to the importance of the Chinese market to its domestic businesses.

Macron stated that the major danger for Europeans is having the incorrect agenda.

The president advised Europe to prioritize self-sufficiency by increasing regional investment in clean technology, AI, and semiconductors.

“I always argue for a more sovereign Europe,” he said.

Not being overdependent in certain sectors of your value chains in specific geographies does not mean killing your links, partnerships, and alliances, but rather implies that you should not rely solely on those sectors.