Europe is better prepared today for a Trump presidency than it was in 2016, as major crises like COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine have strengthened European unity, as French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot noted in a televised interview with France 24. He emphasised that “the American people’s choice is sovereign.” However, he warned that the EU, the main trading partner of the US, could face severe repercussions from increased American tariffs, a decision he described as a “major miscalculation” that would hurt not only European businesses but also American consumers. He also stressed that countries like France, Germany, and Poland, which are increasing their defence spending, should prioritise European industry, stating that it would be unacceptable to increase defence spending if it doesn’t lead to job creation and business opportunities in Europe.
Regarding Trump’s policy towards Ukraine and a hypothetical withdrawal of US support, Barrot remarked that the newly elected president of the US is “too knowledgeable to approve the largest territorial annexation in 75 years,” something that would be seen as endorsing “the rule of the strong” with “extremely serious consequences” not only for Europe but globally. In this context, Barrot expressed confidence that Trump wouldn’t want to “give Putin a gift.”
The French Foreign Minister also addressed recent diplomatic tensions between France and Israel following his visit to Jerusalem, where Israeli police, according to Barrot, entered a French jurisdictional religious site without permission, arresting two French police officers holding diplomatic visas. After this diplomatic incident, France summoned the Israeli ambassador for explanations, with Barrot describing the situation as unacceptable, stating that this incident is considered extremely serious, and France will not tolerate such an action again.
Under tight security, a football match between the national teams of France and Israel is set to take place in Paris tomorrow, with French President Macron and other political figures expected to attend. At the same time, a gala event titled “Israel is Forever,” organised by figures affiliated with the French far-right, is being held in Paris. Left-wing MP Thomas Porte has called on Paris police to ban the event, though the request has not been granted. However, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who recently stated that “it’s time” to expand Israel’s sovereignty over the West Bank, has announced he will not attend, following backlash that included criticism from French diplomacy.
Source: ANA-MPA
