top of page

Macron warns of renewed US clashes as he urges EU to use 'Greenland moment' to push reforms

Macron warns Europe to prepare for renewed tensions with the U.S. and urges economic reforms and joint borrowing to boost the bloc’s global influence.

Reuters

​

​

February 10, 2026

Macron warns of renewed US clashes as he urges EU to use 'Greenland moment' to push reforms

French President Emmanuel Macron reacts as he delivers a speech during a meeting with students from the "Prepas Talents du service public" as part of a program that aims to give every young person an opportunity to join the civil service, at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, February 6, 2026.

Benoit Tessier/Reuters

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday Europe should brace for further clashes with the U.S. and treat the recent “Greenland moment” as a wake‑up call to push through long‑delayed economic reforms and strengthen the bloc’s global power.


In interviews published on several European newspapers, Macron said Europe should not mistake a lull in tensions with Washington for a lasting shift despite the apparent end of disputes over Greenland, trade and technology.


“When there’s a clear act of aggression, I think what we should do isn’t bow down or try to reach a settlement. I think we’ve tried that strategy for months. It’s not working,” Macron told several papers, including Le Monde and the Financial Times.


Macron said the Trump administration was being "openly anti‑European" and seeking the EU’s "dismemberment".


"The U.S. will, in the coming months — that’s certain — attack us over digital regulation," Macron added, warning about potential U.S. import tariffs from U.S. President Donald Trump should the EU use its Digital Services Act to control tech companies.


The French leader also renewed his call for fresh common borrowing, such as eurobonds, arguing this would allow the EU to invest at scale and challenge the hegemony of the U.S. dollar.


EU leaders will meet in Brussels on Thursday for a summit where they will discuss measures to strengthen the EU economy and make it better able to stand up to the U.S. and China on the global stage.


-Reporting by Gianluca Lo Nostro; Editing by Sudip Kar-Gupta and Lincoln Feast/Reuters

TOP POLITICAL STORIES

Israeli president picks Netanyahu rival Gadi Eisenkot to form government

Israeli president picks Netanyahu rival Gadi Eisenkot to form government

Hong Kong condemns countries criticizing ruling on student activist Joshua Wong

Hong Kong condemns countries criticizing ruling on student activist Joshua Wong

After months of naval blockade, US now looks to restrict Iran's land commerce

After months of naval blockade, US now looks to restrict Iran's land commerce

LATEST NEWS

Multiple loud booms heard in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Multiple loud booms heard in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Trump asks UFC chief Dana White to be next White House press secretary

Trump asks UFC chief Dana White to be next White House press secretary

Pope Leo urges South Americans to bridge divisions between their countries

Pope Leo urges South Americans to bridge divisions between their countries

bottom of page