PARIS: French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday criticised a framework deal struck between the European Union and the United States, saying it showed the bloc had not managed to be “feared” by US President Donald Trump.
His remarks came after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Monday that Europe’s biggest economy will face “substantial damage” from the US tariffs agreed as part of a trade deal between Brussels and Washington.
However Merz added that “we couldn’t expect to achieve any more” from the deal and that its negative effects “will not only be limited to Germany and Europe, but we will see the effects of this trade policy in America as well”.
‘WE WERE NOT FEARED ENOUGH’
On Wednesday, Macron was quoted as telling ministers by French officials, “To be free, you need to be feared. We were not feared enough.”
Although the deal offers more visibility to French businesses, Macron said it was only a first step and would continue to be negotiated.
“Now more than ever, it is important to accelerate the European agenda of sovereignty and competitiveness,” Macron said, according to the officials.
The comments came Trump said on Wednesday that United States will impose a 25 per cent tariff on goods imported from India starting on Aug 1.
While announcing his decision, Trump cited “far too high” Indian tariffs and “obnoxious non-monetary Trade Barriers as the reason.
It’s a developing story. Details to follow.