2024-11-07 19:35:00
Baptiste Morin // Credit photo: Balint Szentgallay / NurPhoto / NurPhoto via AFP
8.35pm, November 7, 2024modified to
8.38pm, November 7, 2024
In an attempt to show the image of an old united continent in the face of the unpredictability of Donald Trump, around forty European heads of state and government are gathered in Hungary. The President of the Republic, Emmanuel Macron, wants to provoke a surge among his allies for more strategic autonomy. And to express it, he opted for a metaphor.
“The world is made up of herbivores and carnivores.” It is through this metaphor that Emmanuel Macron wanted to provoke a surge among his allies for more strategic autonomy during a meeting in Budapest of the European Political Community, created by the president two years ago.
“It wouldn’t be bad to choose to be omnivores”
“If we decide to remain herbivores, the carnivores will win. I think that at least it wouldn’t be bad to choose to be omnivores.” In other words, Europe is too naive and there is an urgent need to react. To the west there are the United States, which favors products manufactured on its soil with billions of dollars of public money. And to the east, there is China, which massively exports products manufactured at low cost, also thanks to public aid.
Two carnivorous powers and between them, herbivorous Europe. An open market where public aid is lower, difficult to mobilize and where regulations are stronger for businesses on the continent. In these conditions, it is impossible to level the playing field and the election of Donald Trump could well make things worse. An increase in customs duties on Chinese products could push Beijing to concentrate its exports towards Europe.
The risks of seeing Michelin cases multiply would then be great. If the manufacturer is closing its factories in Vannes and Cholet, it is because cheaper Chinese tires have entered Europe freely. And what is true for tires is true for almost everything.
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**Interview with Dr. Clara Fischer, European Politics Expert**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Fischer. We’ve just seen a major summit in Hungary with dozens of European leaders coming together. What do you think were the main objectives of this meeting?
**Dr. Fischer:** Thank you for having me. This summit was particularly significant as it aimed to unify European leaders in response to the changing global landscape, especially with the unpredictability surrounding former President Trump’s potential return to American politics. Leaders like Emmanuel Macron are pushing for greater strategic autonomy within Europe, emphasizing the need to work collaboratively in the face of uncertainties.
**Interviewer:** What are some key issues that were likely discussed during this summit?
**Dr. Fischer:** There are a few pressing issues on the agenda. First, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and how Europe can better support Ukraine while addressing their security concerns is crucial. Additionally, economic challenges stemming from external pressures and the energy crisis due to reduced dependence on Russian gas were likely topics. The leaders also discussed strategies to foster stronger diplomatic ties and enhance internal cohesion within the EU.
**Interviewer:** Emmanuel Macron seems to be at the forefront of advocating for this strategic autonomy. What impact do you think his leadership will have on the EU’s position in global affairs?
**Dr. Fischer:** Macron’s leadership is pivotal right now. By advocating for strategic autonomy, he’s essentially calling for a Europe that is less reliant on external powers, particularly the U.S. This could empower the EU to take a more assertive role in international diplomacy and ensure that European interests are prioritized. His approach fosters collaboration but also requires a delicate balance to maintain unity among member states with varying agendas.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, how do you think this summit reflects the EU’s broader goals and challenges in the coming years?
**Dr. Fischer:** The summit highlights the EU’s commitment to staying united in the face of external uncertainties. However, the challenges are significant, from coordinating a cohesive foreign policy to handling internal political divisions. Moving forward, the EU must strengthen its mechanisms for solidarity among member states while navigating complex international relations, especially with rival powers. The outcome of this gathering could set the tone for Europe’s geopolitical strategy in the years to come.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Fischer, for your insights on this important summit and the future of European collaboration.
**Dr. Fischer:** Thank you for having me!