Reference News Network, July 31 report. According to AFP, on July 30, French President Macron said that the EU had not shown enough "deterrence" in previous trade agreement negotiations with the United States. He pledged to take a "tough stance" in subsequent negotiations.
According to attendees, Macron told ministers in a cabinet meeting: "This is not the end."
As the deadline for the high tariffs that could severely hit the European economy approaches on August 1, EU Commission President von der Leyen rushed to Scotland and reached a framework agreement with U.S. President Trump on the 27th.
Most products exported by the EU will now face a 15% tariff - a rate higher than the tariff levels before Trump returned to the White House, but far lower than the 30% he threatened to impose.
Macron said: "Europe has not yet fully seen itself as a power. To gain freedom, one must have deterrence. And our deterrence is not enough."
"France has always taken a firm and resolute position, and will continue to do so in the future," he added.
Macron said that in subsequent negotiations, the EU may be able to secure "new exemption clauses" to finalize the details of the agreement.
However, he said that the negotiations were taking place in a "difficult environment," and the agreement at least provides "transparency and predictability" in the short term.
He also said that the agreement "protected the interests of France and Europe" in important export sectors such as aviation. (Translated by Wu Mei)
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