Paris (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – EU leaders Macron and Scholz stress unity against Trump’s return, despite growing tensions between France and Germany.
The European Union must be united and coordinated closely because of Donald Trump’s coming return to the White House, the leaders of the bloc’s two main forces, Germany and France, expressed after holding discussions to coordinate their response.
French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz congratulated Trump on election success but were also quick to highlight the challenges posed by his “America First” protectionist trade policy and isolationist rhetoric.
What message do Macron and Scholz send about unity?
“The European Union must stand close together and act in a united manner,”
Scholz briefed reporters, adding that he and Macron were corresponding closely with other EU heads of state and government. Macron expressed on X that Berlin and Paris would work for a united, more powerful Europe within “the new context”.
Je viens d’échanger avec le chancelier @OlafScholz. Nous allons œuvrer pour une Europe plus unie, plus forte, plus souveraine dans ce nouveau contexte. En coopérant avec les États-Unis d’Amérique et en défendant nos intérêts et nos valeurs.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) November 6, 2024
Earlier on the day, German President Scholz congratulated Trump: “I congratulate Donald Trump on his election as US President. Germany and the USA have been working together successfully for a long time to promote prosperity and freedom on both sides of the Atlantic. We will continue to do so for the benefit of our citizens.”
Ich gratuliere @realDonaldTrump zur Wahl zum US-Präsidenten. Gemeinsam arbeiten Deutschland und die USA seit langem erfolgreich zusammen, um Wohlstand und Freiheit auf beiden Seiten des Atlantiks zu fördern. Das werden wir zum Wohle unserer Bürgerinnen und Bürger fortsetzen.
— Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz (@Bundeskanzler) November 6, 2024
What obstacles could Paris and Berlin face in unity?
Acquiring European unity will however be difficult, not least because over the past years Paris and Berlin have been increasingly at odds on topics ranging from how to finance expanded defence spending to trade, and in particular tariffs on China’s electric cars.
The French and German leaders are also in light political positions at home, with Macron losing much of his power after losses in elections earlier this year and Scholz struggling to keep his alliance together. “Contrary to claims, Europe is not prepared for the economic impact of higher tariffs, the likely U-turn on Ukraine, and defence spending ultimatums – we expect the EU to divide on similar lines to the US itself,” Eurointelligence analysts stated.
