French President Says the EU Is On the Verge of Collapse

Emmanuel Macron warns that the European Union “could die” without urgent reforms.

At a Glance

  • Macron highlights risk to EU’s future, pushing for reforms to avoid existential threats.
  • Clashes with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz over protectionist policies and joint EU borrowing.
  • Macron calls for stronger banking unions and fairer global trade rules to ensure EU competitiveness.
  • Concerns over the impact of Chinese vehicle tariffs and potential retaliation.

Macron’s Vision for EU Reforms

French President Emmanuel Macron has sounded the alarm regarding the European Union’s future, suggesting that without significant reforms, the EU could face an existential crisis and die. 

And to be clear, he’s not saying the EU should be more democratic. No, no. He’s not following in the UK’s footsteps. Macron thinks the EU needs to do more about its economy – and he’s certainly right about that. 

Macron believes that the current lack of investment and cumbersome regulations could lead to the EU falling behind on the global stage. He emphasizes the urgent need for reforms, particularly in completing a banking union and advocating for fairer global trade rules to boost competitiveness.

These are the reasons the UK left the EU, by the way. He knows it, and he’s sounding the alarm because he realizes the rest of the EU’s leadership doesn’t seem to understand it. But unless he addresses the major democratic deficit in the EU, he can’t save the union from its eventual death.

Macron’s vision includes enhancing economic integration and strengthening the EU’s foreign diplomacy. By focusing on these elements, he aims to create a more resilient European Union capable of withstanding political fragmentation and external threats. However, his approach has met resistance, notably from German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxMpAYbysgY

A Clash of Ideas with Germany

Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz have differing views on how the EU should handle protectionist policies from countries like the United States and China. 

While Macron warns that the EU cannot afford to maintain a traditional free-trade agenda, suggesting a shift towards a more protectionist approach, Scholz argues this could endanger European industries. The debate extends to joint EU borrowing and the investigation into Chinese electric vehicles, with Macron supporting these measures and Scholz raising concerns about potential negative impacts.

The contention between the two leaders is most apparent in their divided stance on Chinese electric vehicle tariffs. Macron advocates for tariffs as high as 45%, while Scholz hesitates due to potential repercussions on the German automotive industry. This division highlights the balancing act needed to address global challenges while safeguarding national interests.

For anybody following European politics closely, you’ll probably have realized by now why Macron is making these suggestions. It’s not necessarily because he believes it needs to happen, but probably because he is facing the biggest threat from France’s populist right than he ever has. Having already had to concede to allow a populist prime minister be appointed in France, he knows that what comes next is even scarier for France’s liberal elite: a victory for Marine Le Pen in the next presidential election.