“We must not underestimate that this is a unique moment when the president of the United States, the president of Russia and the president of China are effectively aligned against Europeans. So this is the right moment for us to wake up,” Macron said.
He added that Europe should be more confident and set its own agenda.
The French president also said tensions with the United States would likely persist even after Donald Trump leaves office.
“This is a historical trend. We can cooperate with the United States on certain issues, and that still makes sense because of shared values and historical ties, but I truly believe this approach from the U.S. will continue,” Macron said.
He said the main difference between Trump’s first and second terms is that many European countries previously saw his presidency as a temporary deviation that would end without requiring fundamental changes.
“Now many colleagues have a more sober view, because after so many years we are saying: okay, we have to respond. We must act as Europeans, be more united, defend ourselves and our own interests. And for me, this is the right direction,” the French president said.
After an informal European Council meeting in Cyprus, Macron traveled to Athens, where France and Greece were expected to sign an updated bilateral security agreement.
On April 3, Macron called on middle powers to unite to reduce dependence on the United States and China and jointly defend their interests. He said countries should avoid becoming “vassals” and develop partnerships, including in security, energy and global challenges.