”Europe will not accept the law of the strongest” Macron said to Trump

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday that Europe will not bow to intimidation or threats. He was responding to U.S. President Donald Trump’s warning that he would impose heavy tariffs if Europe refuses to allow the United States to take control of Greenland.

While several European leaders have chosen cautious language to avoid escalating tensions, Macron delivered a firm and direct message during his speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

“Europe Will Not Accept the Law of the Strongest”

Macron said France and Europe would not “passively accept the law of the strongest,” warning that doing so would reduce Europe to a position of dependence. He stressed that Europe would continue to defend territorial sovereignty and the rule of law in what he described as an increasingly unstable global order.

He added that the European Union could respond with its own trade measures if necessary.

“We prefer respect over intimidation,” Macron said. “We choose the rule of law over brute force.”

Trade Tensions and Diplomatic Fallout

Macron’s remarks followed Trump’s threat to impose massive tariffs on French wine and champagne. Trump also published private messages exchanged with Macron, a move widely seen as a breach of diplomatic norms.

Trump had earlier announced plans to introduce escalating tariffs starting February 1 against several European allies, including France. These measures would remain in place until the U.S. is allowed to acquire Greenland, a demand EU leaders have condemned as blackmail.

Macron called Washington’s growing use of tariffs “unacceptable,” especially when linked to territorial sovereignty.

Europe Weighs Its Response

EU leaders are scheduled to meet in Brussels on Thursday for an emergency summit focused on Greenland. Tariffs on €93 billion worth of U.S. goods could be reinstated on February 6 if no agreement is reached.

Macron has urged the EU to consider using its Anti-Coercion Instrument, often referred to as the “trade bazooka.” This tool could restrict U.S. companies’ access to public contracts or limit trade in services such as technology platforms.

Strained Trans-Atlantic Relations

Relations between the United States and Europe have worsened sharply over Trump’s push to claim Greenland from Denmark, a fellow NATO member. The dispute has unsettled European businesses and shaken financial markets.

Trump has also criticized France for hesitating to join his proposed “Board of Peace,” an initiative Paris fears could weaken the United Nations. Trump later threatened a 200% tariff on French wines, saying it would force Macron to comply.

No Meeting Planned in Davos

Trump later posted screenshots of private messages with Macron on social media. In the exchange, Macron questioned Trump’s actions on Greenland and suggested hosting a G7 meeting.

Macron confirmed he would not stay in Davos to meet Trump, saying his departure had long been planned. French officials say Macron is being targeted because he openly defends democratic principles and European sovereignty.