Macron Defends Europe’s Stability and Calls Out U.S. “Unpredictability” at Davos
French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed his commitment to a strong and united Europe during his address at the World Economic Forum in Davos today, emphasizing the continent’s stability and rule of law while criticizing recent U.S. trade rhetoric.
Speaking before global leaders and business figures, Macron acknowledged that Europe can at times be “too slow” and “in need of reform,” but stressed that it remains a “predictable” and “loyal” place where governance rests firmly on the rule of law. “It’s a good place, for today and tomorrow,” he said, framing Europe as a zone of reliability amid global uncertainty.
Macron also contrasted Europe’s values with those of more confrontational global actors. “We need more growth, we need more stability in this world,” he said. “But we do prefer respect over bullies, and we do prefer rule of law over brutality. You’re welcome in Europe, and you are more than welcome to France.”
Later in his speech, the French president took aim at the Trump Administration’s reported proposal to impose tariffs tied to demands regarding Greenland, calling the idea “crazy.” He added that the European Union could, for the first time, employ its new anti-coercion mechanism against its traditional ally in Washington. “I do regret that,” Macron said, “but this is a consequence of just unpredictability and useless aggressivity.”
Macron’s remarks underscored rising European frustration with U.S. unpredictability, while attempting to position France and the EU as anchors of rule-based international order amid what he described as a “brutal and unstable” global environment.
