PARIS, French President Emmanuel Macron has warned that new clashes with the United States could emerge, urging the European Union to use a recent diplomatic scare, which he calls the “Greenland moment,” as a chance to push ahead with long-delayed reforms.
Speaking in interviews with European media, Macron said relations with Washington may look calm for now, but deeper disagreements are likely to return. He pointed to trade, technology rules, and strategic interests as areas where tensions could quickly rise again.
Macron said Europe should not assume the U.S. will always act in line with EU interests. “We must be prepared,” he stressed, adding that the bloc needs to stand on its own feet economically and politically.
The “Greenland moment” refers to past U.S. actions and statements that caused concern in Europe and raised fears about respect for European sovereignty. While the immediate issue faded, Macron believes it exposed weaknesses inside the EU that still need to be fixed.
He called on EU leaders to use this moment to move faster on economic reforms, including closer cooperation on investment, defense spending, and major industries such as clean energy, digital technology, and manufacturing.
One key idea pushed by Macron is joint EU borrowing, which would allow member states to raise money together for big projects. He argues this would make Europe stronger, help fund innovation, and reduce dependence on the U.S. dollar.
Macron also warned that disputes could grow over EU tech rules, which aim to limit the power of large digital companies. He said these laws could trigger retaliation from Washington, including trade measures.
While some EU countries remain cautious about deeper financial integration, Macron said the global situation leaves Europe with little choice. Rising competition between major powers, he argued, means the EU must become more united and more resilient.
As EU leaders meet to discuss the bloc’s future direction, Macron’s message is clear: Europe should turn moments of tension into opportunities and use them to build a stronger, more independent union.
