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

PH Senate receives proposed ₱7.2-trillion 2027 national budget

PH Senate receives proposed ₱7.2-trillion 2027 national budget

Thailand Prime Minister suspends gun purchase licenses after school shooting

Thailand Prime Minister suspends gun purchase licenses after school shooting

DOJ files three counts of grave threats vs. VP Sara Duterte

DOJ files three counts of grave threats vs. VP Sara Duterte

LATEST NEWS

North Korea fires ballistic missile into Korean Peninsula ahead of US-South Korea drills

North Korea fires ballistic missile into Korean Peninsula ahead of US-South Korea drills

Six, including two rescuers, killed after Houthis attack cargo ship in Red Sea

Six, including two rescuers, killed after Houthis attack cargo ship in Red Sea

DepEd condoles with families of five students killed in Baguio landslide

DepEd condoles with families of five students killed in Baguio landslide

bottom of page