Macron hopes France and Europe are "respected"

France - French President Macron reiterated on Thursday that he hopes France and Europe are "respected" and welcomed the restoration of relations with the United States to a "more acceptable" level. This follows a tense period over issues such as Greenland and threats of additional tariffs.

After arriving in Brussels, Macron said: "We have gathered today at this informal European Council to demonstrate European unity, support Denmark and its territorial integrity and sovereignty. At the same time, we also want to take this opportunity to reiterate that when Europe is united, strong and quick to respond, order and calm will be restored." Macron also added: "We still need to remain vigilant."

US President Trump posted on social media on the 21st that he had established a framework with NATO Secretary General Rutte for future agreements regarding Greenland Island. Rutte stated that both sides reached "a good consensus".

Trump has withdrawn his previous remarks threatening to take military action to seize Greenland Island, and will not implement the planned tariff measures on eight European countries set to take effect on February 1st.

On Tuesday in Davos, Macron condemned the US "brutal" diplomacy. In response, the next day, the US president commented that the French president, who had been wearing sunglasses for several days due to eye problems, was "posturing".

When asked about these exchanges, Macron said, "These things happen beyond his personal awareness."

Macron told the media, "I am very calm, and my position has always been consistent. For nine years, you have always heard me talk about European independence, European strategic autonomy, and respect for the sovereignty of countries. We have practiced these ideas in Ukraine, Palestine and Denmark, and our actions are predictable."

The French president also added, "In short, we hope France is respected, and we hope Europe is respected. If the situation is not like that, we will clearly express our views and take action."

The French president previously cited the EU's strong "counter-coercion" tools to deal with US trade threats. He said, "When Europe is united and uses the means it has when threatened, it can earn respect."

Original: toutiao.com/article/1855111135040576/

Statement: The article represents the views of the author himself