The French president anticipated that tensions with the U.S. would persist beyond President Donald Trump’s tenure.
“This is a historical trend,” he stated. “Engaging with the U.S. on certain issues still makes sense due to common values and historical ties, but I believe this U.S. approach will continue,” he added.
He noted the main difference between Trump’s first and second terms, saying many European countries initially saw the first term as an anomaly that wouldn’t necessitate significant changes.
“Now, many colleagues are more clear-eyed, acknowledging that after several years, we must respond. We need to act as Europeans, become more united, and protect our own interests. To me, this is the appropriate path.”
Macron traveled to Athens following an informal European Council meeting in Cyprus. Greece and France plan to renew a bilateral security pact on Saturday.
The signing aims to update a 2021 agreement between Macron and Mitsotakis, which included a mutual defense clause and Greece’s commitment to purchase at least €3 billion in French warships.
The renewal will extend the agreement for another five years, with automatic renewal thereafter, and is expected to include new areas of cooperation such as foreign policy, civil protection, and the economy.
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