Macron’s statements on Europe’s dependence on the US spark confusion and outrage

In the interview given to the French newspaper Les Echos and the news website Politico published on Sunday, Macron urged the EU to reduce its dependence on the United States and become a “third pole” in international affairs alongside Washington and Beijing.

Mixed reactions in Europe

As European politicians and diplomats resumed their activities after the long Easter weekend, they were still struggling to digest Macron’s remarks, which particularly upset Eastern European countries. Many governments in this region consider ties with the United States essential, particularly due to Washington’s crucial role in helping defend Ukraine against the Russian invasion.

“The return of geopolitics means that we must more clearly discern who is our ally and who is not. Strong transatlantic relations between Europe and the United States form the foundation of our security,” Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky told Reuters.

In response to these criticisms, French officials and diplomats emphasized that Macron was not suggesting that Europe should be geopolitically equidistant from Washington and Beijing, but simply that Europe’s interests will sometimes differ from those of the United States.

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Macron’s allies admit communication error

Even some of the French president’s closest allies acknowledged that Macron had misspoken. “There is a problem with the president’s communication. It’s a disaster,” said an ally of Macron, speaking anonymously, adding that the timing and location of his remarks, although correct in substance, were problematic.

“The idea now is to reassure the Americans and tell them that there is nothing new and that on Taiwan, we have the same position as before,” said a senior French diplomat.

European governments more in line with Macron’s vision

Other governments in Europe, however, are more in line with Macron’s goal of achieving “strategic autonomy” – making Europe less dependent on others in terms of defense, technology, and critical raw material supplies. Countries such as Germany, Italy, and Spain have also supported a strong EU engagement with China, even as Washington takes a tougher stance towards what it sees as an increasingly belligerent China.

But even some of those who broadly support Macron’s agenda regretted the handling of the trip to China, during which von der Leyen received a much more subdued reception than the French president.

“China is playing the card of dividing Europe. We must prevent it,” said Nils Schmid, a foreign policy expert and member of parliament for German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democrats.