French FM calls for more EU autonomy from US

In the interview, Colonna noted that France and Germany are seeking to further strengthen their partnership, and that President Emmanuel Macron and Chancellor Olaf Scholz see the Franco-German alliance as “a driving force for Europe.”

The diplomat welcomed Berlin’s decision to increase its military spending, adding that individual nations’ efforts should have the shared goal of strengthening “European sovereignty.”

The foreign minister’s remarks come at a time of trans-Atlantic trade tensions. Last month, news website Politico claimed that Paris and Berlin had reached an agreement on EU retaliatory measures, which would be put in place should the US go ahead with planned tax cuts and energy benefits, aimed at encouraging firms to shift production stateside. Macron and Scholz reportedly agreed that the American state subsidy plan would constitute unfair competition, and should not go unanswered.

Appearing on the TV channel France 2, President Macron said at the time that he and the German chancellor had “a real convergence to move forward on the topic.”

Back in September, the Wall Street Journal reported that a number of European companies “that make steel, fertilizer and other feedstocks of economic activity are shifting operations to the US.” According to the article, soaring gas prices in Europe were one of the main factors behind the businesses’ decision. On top of that, “muscular government support” stateside also reportedly played a role.