In response to the United States’ recent imposition of sweeping tariffs on European Union goods, French President Emmanuel Macron has called on European companies to suspend planned investments in the U.S. until further clarity is achieved. Speaking during a meeting with French industry representatives, Macron described the U.S. tariffs as “brutal and unfounded,” emphasizing the need for a united European response. He suggested that investments announced in recent weeks should be halted temporarily, stating, “Future investments, investments announced in the last weeks, should be suspended for a time for as long as the situation with the United States is not clarified.”
Macron also proposed potential retaliatory measures, including targeting U.S. digital services, where American companies significantly benefit from the European market. He asserted that “nothing can be ruled out” and that all options are on the table to protect European interests.
The U.S. tariffs, which impose up to a 20% duty on EU exports, have been met with widespread criticism from European leaders. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz labeled the decision as “fundamentally wrong,” while Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez warned of economic repercussions for both sides of the Atlantic. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the tariffs as a “major blow to the world economy” and confirmed that the EU is preparing retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods.
As tensions escalate, European leaders are advocating for negotiations to prevent an all-out trade war. However, they remain resolute in their commitment to defending European economic interests, signaling a readiness to implement countermeasures if necessary.
