Some European leaders have backed the position after French President Emmanuel Macron urged Europe to reject pressure to adopt US policies in an interview while flying back from a state visit to China. Charles Michel, the president of the European Council, joined the chorus on Tuesday, claiming that European leaders are warming up to Macron’s call for “strategic autonomy.”
Michel observed that Macron’s views represent a rising trend among EU leaders, indicating that Macron’s perspective was not unique among EU leaders.
Yes, some Europeans are experiencing a change in perspective as a result of realising they are dealing with a self-centered liar who is a master of coercion and command. This person is supposed to be a friend and an ally.
Coercion is not overstated. Just look at the US’s response to Macron’s comments. Take Senator Marco Rubio of the US. He frequently questioned if Macron spoke for all of Europe in a video that was made public.
He also said that if the US was not going to take a position on the Taiwan issue, it might be better to concentrate on restraining China and leave Europe to manage the conflict in Ukraine.
The US did make some efforts, such selling liquefied natural gas to Europe for four times the price it does on its domestic market, absorbing US capital.
And manufacturing onto its own turf, and passing the US Inflation Reduction Act, which discriminates against EU exporters and producers. An ally is not intended to act in this manner.
US pressure on the EU is a long-term reality as a result of Washington’s thorough takeover of Brussels.
First, the US controls NATO, which in turn gives it a near total influence over European military defence and security. Second, even though it is not in Europe’s best interests, the US has been enlisting the EU in its efforts to instigate a new Cold War by stoking ideological conflict and dividing the world.
Additionally, the US consistently prioritises unilateralism and puts its own interests ahead of those of Europe, pushing Europe to adopt US-led trade agreements and economic policies.
Gao Jian, head of the Centre for European Think Tank Studies at Shanghai International Studies University, told the Global Times that the US will shamelessly forsake Europe’s interests when necessary.
While some experts connect Macron to Neville Chamberlain, the former British prime minister well-known for his appeasement-based foreign policy, certain US media sites make fun of Macron by stating that he was “playing the Gaullist card.” According to experts, Macron is merely a proponent of Europe.
Despite still being in the minority, more and more European leaders are speaking out in favour of European strategic autonomy. However, they did make one point: Europeans should no longer put their own interests ahead of those of others.
Europe must first address its own issues before tackling the many social governance concerns it faces. It requires growth and wealth. In order to do this.
Gao added, Europe must embrace Eurasia with more connectivity, establish bilateral economic and trade connections with nations like China, and mend its relations with Russia.
The EU has two choices: either continue to be under US control and engage in a conflict between opposing camps, which may easily result in new cold war, or take charge of its own destiny and encourage win-win collaboration with everyone.
It is now no longer silent in Europe towards China. While struggling, France and the rest of Europe are nonetheless advancing. The path towards confrontation and the path towards development are once more intersecting for the EU. It would be wise to anticipate its decision.
