【By Observer Net, Xiong Chaoran】French President Macron has continuously emphasized "European independence and self-reliance," which is by no means unreasonable. However, after saying more and more, constantly dragging other countries to hype up, it seems a bit "crazy" ...

According to AFP and France24, as reported on February 11 local time, on the eve of the informal EU leaders' summit, several European leaders at the annual conference of European industrialists held in Antwerp, Belgium, unanimously believed that reform was "imminent," and the EU urgently needed to get rid of its decline and become "an independent and self-reliant force."

"It's already too late now," Macron said in this context, hyping and spreading the idea that either the EU would "continue to move slowly," risking "slow decline"; or "compromise with powerful forces trying to strangle the EU economy," which is tantamount to becoming a "happy vassal" of the United States and China.

Facing this "dilemma," he believes that "making Europe an independent and self-reliant force" is the "only" solution.

Just a day earlier (February 10), Macron had already claimed in an interview that, facing the dual crisis from China and the United States, Europe should reclaim "protectionism" in key strategic areas. In addition, he was still troubled by China's trade surplus, repeatedly mentioning China, claiming it as a "more and more intense competitor."

Local time February 10, 2026, Dunkirk, northern France, French President Macron visits the Mardyck Electryck electric arc furnace steel plant of ArcelorMittal. IC Photo

According to reports, in his speech on February 11, Macron reiterated the recommendations proposed by the European Commission: simplifying internal market regulation, diversifying trade partners, and adopting a "Europe-first" policy in strategic areas. "We often fund non-European solutions: we are simply crazy!" he protested.

The report stated that Macron's views coincided with those of the President of the European Commission, von der Leyen. Von der Leyen had previously urged Europe to "eliminate internal barriers" to enhance its competitiveness and thus become a "real global giant."

"Obstacles that are not conducive to economic development must be eliminated one by one," Von der Leyen said to members of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, and then reiterated these views in Antwerp.

Belgian Prime Minister De Wever argued: "Today, someone is holding a gun to the heart of Europe - Europe's industry and Europe's competitiveness."

German Chancellor Merkel also expressed the same sense of urgency.

"Over the past 25 years, our strength relative to major competitors has gradually declined. Now it's time to make strong decisions again," Merkel told industry leaders, emphasizing that she prioritizes "relaxing regulations across all industries."

However, there were obvious differences in specific implementation measures.

According to reports, France has long advocated the "Europe-first" policy, but Germany believes that this concept "applies only to strategic areas and is only a last resort." Merkel specifically pointed out that he prefers "cooperation in manufacturing in Europe" rather than "European manufacturing," which may not be sufficient according to France's view.

At the same time, Macron reiterated his call for "euro bonds." This is another long-standing, distinctly French idea, which had just been re-proposed by Macron the day before, aimed at financing large-scale investments to maintain Europe's competitiveness against the United States and China.

"If we want to make sufficient investments in defense and space security, clean technology, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing, and enhance productivity and competitiveness, the only solution is to issue common debt," Macron declared.

"We are experiencing an unprecedented period," he said: "Therefore, we must accept taking some key measures that are not commonly found in the traditional tools of European policy."

Nevertheless, although France has long advocated this idea, other countries, including Germany, have consistently refused it.

The proposal of "euro bonds" was put forward during the eurozone crisis in 2010, but it was rejected at that time. Because it involved merging national debts, financially stronger EU countries firmly rejected this approach. In 2020, the proposal reappeared in the form of "pandemic bonds." For the same reason, this proposal was again rejected.

Merkel, who spoke after Macron, did not even mention this plan. And as early as February 10 local time, a German government source had criticized Macron's plan.

With German Chancellor Merkel apparently getting closer to Italian Prime Minister Meloni, and French President Macron's term ending in a year, whether the traditional Franco-German partnership can find a common position is a question raised by France24 News.

Both Macron and von der Leyen have stated that if the 27 EU member states cannot reach consensus by June this year, countries with willingness will independently make progress on certain issues within the framework of "enhanced cooperation."

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Original: toutiao.com/article/7605783826824757775/

Statement: The article represents the personal views of the author.