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Europe will have to make itself respected if commercial interests attacked, Macron says

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on February 3, 2025

1 min read

· Last updated: January 26, 2026

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Emmanuel Macron speaks on European unity and commercial interests - Global Banking & Finance Review
French President Emmanuel Macron emphasizes the need for Europe to assert itself in the face of threats to its commercial interests. This image captures Macron's urgent message at the EU leaders' informal defense meeting, reflecting the article's focus on European unity and response to external pressures.
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BRUSSELS (Reuters) - If Europe is attacked on its commercial interests it will have to make itself respected, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday ahead of an informal defence meeting with

Macron: Europe Must Assert Itself if Commercial Interests Are Threatened

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - If Europe is attacked on its commercial interests it will have to make itself respected, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday ahead of an informal defence meeting with EU leaders in Brussels.

He added that recent declarations from the United States are pushing Europe to be stronger and more united.

"As much as Covid and the Russian aggression in Ukraine were a wake-up call for Europe, what is happening ... with the choices and the statements of the new administration of President Donald Trump pushes the EU to be more united and more active to respond to issues of collective security," Macron said.

(Reporting by Sudip Kar-Gupta, Geert De Clercq, Writing by Charlotte Van Campenhout; Editing by Toby Chopra)

Key Takeaways

  • Macron stresses the need for Europe to protect its commercial interests.
  • Recent US actions push Europe towards greater unity.
  • EU leaders meet in Brussels for informal defense discussions.
  • Macron compares current events to past crises like Covid and Ukraine.
  • Europe's collective security is a priority for Macron.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Macron say about Europe's commercial interests?
Macron stated that if Europe is attacked on its commercial interests, it will need to assert itself to gain respect.
How are recent US declarations affecting Europe?
Macron mentioned that recent declarations from the United States are encouraging Europe to become stronger and more united.
What events does Macron compare the current situation to?
Macron compared the current situation to the wake-up calls of Covid and the Russian aggression in Ukraine.

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