French German Leaders Meet Under Cloud Trump Tariff Threats 2025 01 22
ReutersJan 22
Europe: Macron, Scholz Call For European Unity Amid Trump Tariff Threats
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Above: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (L) and French Pres. Emmanuel Macron (R) address a joint statement at the Elysee Palace in Paris, on Jan. 22, 2025. Image copyright: Mohammed Badra /POOL/AFP via Getty Images
The Facts
French Pres. Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz met in Paris on Jan. 22, the 62nd anniversary of the Elysée Treaty, to discuss European unity and a response to US Pres. Donald Trump's tariff threats.
At a press conference, Pres. Macron said the Trump admin. made the role of France and Germany "all the more critical," and that "Europe's priority must be Europe itself." According to Chancellor Scholz, Trump would pose a "challenge" to the EU and US collaborating effectively.
Trump stated earlier this week that the European Union (EU) was "very, very bad to [America]," and "takes advantage" on trade, before claiming that the bloc was "going to be in for tariffs." Trump also accused the EU of "not paying" into NATO.
The Spin
Narrative A
Trump's second term poses a substantial threat to Europe which cannot be ignored. As the US becomes increasingly hostile to its traditional allies and threatens economic warfare, actors such as the EU must adapt to a new reality and respond accordingly. Agreements such as the EU-Mercosur trade deal must mark the start of Europe protecting its own economic and geopolitical future, establishing new relationships, and breaking free of historical dependencies.
Narrative B
No longer will Europe be allowed to ride off of America's coattails. Having been economically and politically dependent on US success ever since they were saved from the Nazis, it is time for countries across the Atlantic to finally take some responsibility and look after themselves. No longer will the US be the policeman of the world for free — Russia beckons at Europe's door, not America's, and economic extortion will no longer be tolerated.
Narrative C
At a time of deep uncertainty, the US and Europe must come together now more than ever. While frank conversations may be necessary, fragmentation between Western allies will only make its adversaries stronger. Through Trump ally and EU member-state leader Viktor Orbán, a route to an equitable trade deal which solidifies the US-European relationship remains a possibility that must be pursued for the sake of liberty and democracy.
