Davos Forum: Macron says EU may use anti-coercion tool against US tariffs

French President Macron said that the European Union could activate its “Anti-Coercion Instrument” in response to U.S. President Trump’s tariff threats.

“We will protect our interests and our producers,” he stated.

Macron made the remarks while speaking at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, CE Report quotes Anadolu Agency.

It was noted that Macron, who has been experiencing an eye condition for several days, attended meetings wearing sunglasses and continued to do so during his speech.

Pointing out that the international system has reached an “unprecedented level of instability,” Macron said, “We need more cooperation.”

He emphasized the need to fight global imbalances, warning that conflicts are becoming the norm worldwide and that imperial ambitions are resurfacing.

Macron also warned that the world is moving toward a system “without effective collective governance,” adding, “We are clearly living in a worrying time because we are destroying the structures that allow us to solve issues and shared problems.”

He underlined that U.S. trade agreements targeting Europe’s export interests aim to “weaken and subdue Europe.”

The French president stressed that using tariffs as a tool of pressure against “territorial sovereignty” is unacceptable.

Arguing that Europe must become more economically and strategically autonomous, Macron said this requires effective multilateralism.

“We are moving toward a lawless world,” Macron said, recalling France’s support for Denmark’s sovereignty over Greenland.

He added that the upcoming G7 Leaders’ Summit, which France will host, will be structured to promote dialogue and cooperation among major economies.

Macron warned that protectionist policies and trade wars would create “only losers.”

He said Europe’s market and industry must be protected from Chinese competition and called for strengthening the continent’s economic defense tools.

If Europe is not respected, Macron said, it must use these “powerful tools,” adding, “We will do everything we can to achieve a stronger, more independent Europe by 2026. We need more economic growth and stability, and we choose the rule of law over brutality.”

Macron stated that Europe needs direct Chinese foreign investment but does not want to import products that fail to meet EU standards.

“This is not about being protectionist; it is about creating fairer conditions and protecting our industry,” he said, adding that EU companies should prioritize the European market of 450 million consumers.

Macron emphasized the need to guarantee technological neutrality and non-discrimination within the EU and called for greater investment in sectors such as artificial intelligence and quantum technologies.

Responding to a question about Trump’s tariff threats, Macron said, “What is unbelievable is that we could use the anti-coercion mechanism against the United States, and I deeply regret that. This is the result of unpredictability and pointless aggressiveness. What we need to do is remain very calm.”

He concluded by saying, “We will protect our interests and our producers.”

Image: World Economic Forum/Valeriano Di Domenico