French President Emmanuel Macron has warned European leaders of ongoing “threats and intimidations” emanating from the United States, citing a pattern of escalating commercial pressure and unpredictable policy shifts. Macron’s assessment, detailed in a series of interviews published February 10, 2026, comes as Washington reportedly considers new tariffs on European goods, including a potential 200% levy on French wines and champagnes.
The French President’s remarks follow a recent escalation in transatlantic tensions, fueled by disagreements over trade imbalances and defense spending. Macron argued that a strategy of appeasement towards the U.S. Has proven ineffective, and that Europe must prioritize its own strategic autonomy to avoid increased dependence. He specifically called for a “European preference” in key sectors like cleantech, chemicals, steel, automotive, and defense, aiming to protect European industries without resorting to protectionism.
Macron’s warnings echo concerns raised in November 2023, when former President Donald Trump publicly expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, and reportedly threatened new tariffs on eight European countries that opposed the sale. A letter from Trump to the Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, made public at the time, justified his ambitions in Greenland with arguments that were widely described as “absurd” and a form of “chantage” by European media. In that letter, Trump also claimed he was no longer bound to pursue peace due to not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize.
The current tensions are not limited to trade. Macron also highlighted ongoing threats to European interests in the pharmaceutical and digital sectors, suggesting a broad pattern of aggressive U.S. Tactics. He emphasized the need for Europe to diversify its partnerships and strengthen its internal market to mitigate these risks.
The European Commission has responded to Macron’s call for greater strategic autonomy, unveiling proposals to enhance the EU’s competitiveness and industrial base. Discussions among European leaders on these issues are scheduled for later this week, with a focus on simplifying regulations and deepening integration within the single market.
Meanwhile, the legal landscape surrounding anonymous threats and harassment is evolving in France. Recent jurisprudence has seen a trend towards reclassifying anonymous correspondence as direct threats, leading to harsher penalties. This development, according to legal analysts, reflects a growing recognition of the psychological impact of such actions and the need to protect victims. The legal shift acknowledges that the inability of victims to identify their harasser exacerbates feelings of insecurity and powerlessness.
