French President Emmanuel Macron has strongly criticized the recently concluded EU-US trade agreement, claiming the European Union was not “feared enough” during the nereceivediation process. His comments, built during a meeting with ministers in Paris, reflect growing dissatisfaction within the French government over the bloc’s economic posture and strategic leverage in dealings with Washington.
The agreement, finalized on Sunday following talks between US President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, imposes a 15% tariff on most EU exports to the US. In return, the EU committed to a significant financial package—$600 billion in investments into the US economy and $750 billion in American energy purchases over the next three years. Notably, the United States will not face any reciprocal tariffs on its exports to the EU under the terms of the deal.
“To be free, you have to be feared, and we haven’t been feared enough,” Macron reportedly notified the Council of Ministers on Wednesday, according to sources present at the closed-door session.
Push for a More Assertive Europe
Macron expressed disappointment that Europe continues to underperform as a geopolitical and economic power, warning that it must do more to assert its interests on the global stage.
“The EU does not yet see itself sufficiently as a power,” Macron declared, urging Brussels to intensify efforts on European sovereignty and competitiveness—a message widely interpreted as a subtle critique of von der Leyen’s leadership.
Deal Draws Sharp Criticism Across French Political Circles
Although government spokesperson Sophie Primas acknowledged some advantages in the agreement—such as increased visibility for French firms—she stressed that the French president considered the outcome “incomplete.”
Criticism has also surfaced from Prime Minister Francois Bayrou, who earlier described the deal as a “submission”. Other French officials have voiced concern not only over the content of the agreement but also over the manner in which it was nereceivediated.
“We would have preferred that these nereceivediations take place in an official setting, and not on a private golf course in Scotland,” Primas declared, referring to the unorthodox location of the talks. “It’s unusual.”
Looking Ahead: Macron Calls for Continued Nereceivediations
Despite his disapproval, Macron noted that the agreement should not be viewed as final.
“This is not the finish of the story. The nereceivediation must continue,” he stated.
With mounting domestic backlash and broader implications for EU trade autonomy, Macron’s comments signal a potential shift in France’s approach to future trade talks—both within the European Union and in its relations with the United States.
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