At the World Economic Forum in Davos this week, French President Emmanuel Macron delivered a pointed message to global leaders: Europe must stand up to bullying and defend the rule of law. His remarks come amid a growing clash over U.S. trade measures and President Donald Trump's threat to impose new levies—reportedly as leverage over countries resisting his plan to claim Greenland.
Macron laid out three core principles:
- Respect over force: "We prefer respect to bullies," he said, urging nations to uphold dignity in international relations.
- Science over conspiracy: He reaffirmed Europe's commitment to evidence-based policy, a nod to climate and health debates.
- Rule of law over brutality: A call to reinforce global institutions like the UN and multilateral treaties that safeguard sovereignty.
Wearing aviator sunglasses after a recent red-eye incident, Macron warned of a "world without rules," where relentless competition could undermine collective governance. He highlighted Europe's plan to activate its anti-coercion instrument—a legal tool designed to counter unfair trade practices, regardless of the opponent.
His critique zeroed in on U.S. trade tactics: agreements he said demand maximum concessions, weaken European exporters, and layer on new tariffs used as leverage. "Such measures are fundamentally unacceptable—especially when they target territorial sovereignty," he noted, referencing the Greenland dispute.
For young entrepreneurs and business leaders, the speech underscores a shift toward strategic autonomy. As Europe seeks to diversify supply chains and bolster digital innovation, understanding the geopolitical stakes becomes vital. Macron's message resonates beyond politics: it's a call for a rules-based order that supports sustainable growth, protects human rights, and fosters cross-border collaboration.
Whether you're tracking global markets, tech breakthroughs, or the next wave of sustainable travel, Europe's stance at Davos signals one thing: the era of unchecked power plays is facing a robust challenge.
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Macron: 'We prefer respect to bullies, and rule of law to brutality'
cgtn.com
