According to the French leader, the goal of this competition is to "weaken and subjugate Europe." He also urged the European Union to actively develop innovations and attract private investments in key sectors.
Starting his speech with the phrase that "the time for peace, stability, and predictability has come," Macron elicited laughter from the audience. However, he then sharply changed his tone, noting that the world has become "unstable and unbalanced," and that "conflicts have become commonplace." He stated that humanity is entering an era without rules and mentioned that by 2025 the world will face multiple wars, adding: "I heard that some of them have been resolved," which can be seen as a hint at U.S. President Donald Trump.
Macron concluded his speech with the phrase: "We choose respect over bullies."
It is worth noting that earlier Macron declined Trump's invitation to join his initiative "Peace Council for Gaza," after which Trump threatened to impose 200% tariffs on French wine and champagne. "Well, he is not needed by anyone because he will soon resign. I will impose 200% tariffs on his wines and champagne, and he will be forced to join," Trump told reporters.
Before Macron's speech, the Élysée Palace criticized Trump's tariff policy, emphasizing that France does not see tariffs as a solution to global problems or economic imbalances. The president's administration also noted that U.S. actions confirm Macron's long-standing position on the need for European strategic autonomy.
Macron's speech in Davos coincided with an extraordinary EU summit scheduled for Thursday. On the same day, he proposed to Trump to hold a dinner and an expanded G7 meeting in Paris.
Earlier, Trump agreed to meet in Davos during a conversation with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, but continues to assert that Greenland is "extremely important" for the security of both the U.S. and the entire world.
