French President Emmanuel Macron welcomes German Chancellor Olaf Scholz as he arrives for a meeting at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, January 22, 2025.
The leaders of Europe’s two largest economies are seeking to project unity as the union struggles to respond with one voice to threats of tariffs from US president, Donald Trump.
On Tuesday, Trump said Europe had troubling trade surpluses with the United States and was in for tariffs.
He has also threatened Canada, Mexico and China with heavy duties.
But at a working lunch at the Elysee Palace in Paris on Wednesday, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz put on a show of unity.
In statements to reporters, they insisted Europe was strong and the Franco-German tandem solid.
Scholz emphasised that Europe is a large economic area with around 450 million citizens. He said Europe will not duck and hide.
Macron, who has long pushed for Europe to be more self-reliant, said the new administration in the US makes it even more necessary for Europe to be united, strong and sovereign.
