Overview

• French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz met in Paris to reaffirm their commitment to a unified and strong Europe in response to Donald Trump's return to the U.S. presidency.
• Trump's administration has announced plans to impose higher tariffs on European goods and reduce military support, framing the EU as an economic competitor.
• Macron stressed the importance of European independence, increased ambition, and investment in key sectors like defense and technology to counter external pressures.
• The meeting also served as a farewell for Scholz, who is expected to be succeeded by Friedrich Merz after Germany's February elections, potentially altering the Franco-German dynamic.
• Both leaders highlighted the need to strengthen transatlantic relations while asserting Europe's capacity to defend its own interests and values.