French President Emmanuel Macron has said Europe will not give in to bullies or be intimidated, saying the US “openly aims to weaken and subordinate Europe”.
The speech came after US President Donald Trump threatened huge tariffs against French wine and champagne and posted private messages from Macron, an unusual breach of diplomatic discretion.
Trump has already vowed to implement a wave of increasing tariffs from 1 February on several European allies, including France, until the US is allowed to acquire Greenland, a step that major EU states condemned as blackmail.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Macron said: “Europe has very strong tools now, and we have to use them when we are not respected.”
Macron wore aviator sunglasses during his speech to protect his eyes following a burst blood vessel, according to French officials.
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