Macron urges EU to counter US and China economic pressures

French President Emmanuel Macron has called on the European Union (EU) to take immediate action to protect its position in the global economy against rising pressures from both the United States and China. Speaking at an informal EU summit held in Belgium, Macron emphasized the necessity of urgent measures to address the significant challenges currently facing the union.

According to Operative Information Center-OMM, the French leader stated that Europe is currently facing economic "squeezing" policies from both the East and the West. Macron noted that China's "unfair competition" in the market and the new customs tariffs implemented by US President Donald Trump pose serious risks to the European economy.

"The pressure against us is increasing every day. This situation requires concrete and decisive steps from us," Macron told reporters upon his arrival at the summit.

To address these challenges, Macron proposed a "rapid response" strategy focused on four priority areas to ensure European economic sovereignty:

1. Increasing competitiveness: Strengthening local production and industry in the global market.
2. Energy security: Fundamentally resolving issues related to energy resources.
3. Expanding existing partnerships: Renewing economic ties with long-standing allies.
4. New cooperation platforms: Building alternative markets and new partnership bridges.

This summit comes at a critical juncture for the EU as it navigates a shifting geopolitical landscape. Historically, the EU has sought to balance its trade relations between major global powers, but recent protectionist trends in Washington and industrial subsidies in Beijing have prompted calls for "strategic autonomy." Experts believe that Macron's call serves to strengthen economic unity within the EU and reduce foreign dependence, with decisions made during this gathering expected to shape Europe's economic trajectory for the coming decade.