Trump presidency ‘challenge’ calls for ‘strong’ Europe, say Macron and Scholz
French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called for a strong and united Europe after a meeting in Paris on Wednesday to try to consolidate policies as US President Donald Trump threatened Europe with new tariffs, saying the EU "is very, very bad to us".
French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz sought to project unity at a meeting in Paris on Wednesday, as Europe struggles to respond with one voice to threats of tariffs from U.S. President Donald Trump.
Trump, who has also threatened Canada, Mexico and China with heavy duties, said on Tuesday Europe had troubling trade surpluses with the United States and was "in for tariffs".
In statements to reporters before their working lunch at the Elysee Palace, both Macron and Scholz insisted that Europe was strong and the Franco-German tandem solid, while expecting difficulties.
"President Trump will, that much is already clear, be a challenge," Scholz said. "Our position is clear. Europe is a large economic area with around 450 million citizens. We are strong. We stand together. Europe will not duck and hide."
Macron has long pushed for Europe to be more self-reliant.
The two leaders mentioned the steel, car and chemicals sectors -- possible targets for U.S. tariffs -- as crucial for the European economy.
Transactional relations with Trump
(Reuters)
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