PARIS (AP) 鈥� French President said his country was a "a solid ally鈥� of President-elect on Monday as he outlined his vision for global diplomacy in 2025, while warning that France could lose the incoming U.S. leader鈥檚 respect by being 鈥渨eak and defeatist.鈥�
鈥淒onald Trump knows that he has a solid ally in France, an ally he does not underestimate, one who believes in Europe and carries a lucid ambition for the transatlantic relationship,鈥� Macron said in a New Year's speech at the 脡lys茅e Palace, emphasizing France鈥檚 commitment to fostering cooperation while urging European nations to fortify their unity and resilience.
Last month, Trump visited Paris for the of Notre Dame Cathedral, an event that underscored the enduring ties between France and the United States.
鈥淚f we decide to be weak and defeatist, there is little chance we will be respected by the United States under President Trump,鈥� Macron warned.
The speech, delivered against a backdrop of geopolitical turmoil, laid out France鈥檚 foreign policy priorities, spanning the European defense, and the Middle East.
Even as Macron expressed openness to Trump, he delivered pointed criticism of tech mogul Elon Musk, a known Trump ally, for promoting what he described as a 鈥渘ew reactionary international鈥� movement through his social media platform, X.
Without naming Musk directly, Macron referenced his for Germany鈥檚 far-right AfD party and his increasing interference in European elections.
鈥淲ho could have imagined, 10 years ago, that the owner of one of the world鈥檚 largest social networks would intervene directly in elections, including in Germany?鈥� Macron said. He warned of the risks posed by unchecked power in the hands of tech billionaires and the destabilizing impact they could have on democratic institutions.
Macron framed Musk鈥檚 influence as a challenge to Europe鈥檚 democratic values, reinforcing the need for European unity and resilience against external disruptions.
Call for realism and responsibility on Ukraine
Addressing the grinding war in , Macron stressed the need for 鈥渞ealistic discussions on territorial questions,鈥� adding, 鈥渟uch negotiations can only be conducted by Ukrainians themselves.鈥�
He called on the United States to 鈥渉elp change the nature of the situation and convince Russia to come to the negotiating table,鈥� while underscoring Europe鈥檚 pivotal role. 鈥淭he Europeans will have to construct security guarantees for Ukraine, which will be primarily their responsibility,鈥� he said.
Macron countered Trump鈥檚 campaign pledge for an express settlement, warning, 鈥淭here is no quick and easy solution in Ukraine.鈥� He also highlighted the stakes for the United States, stating, 鈥淭he new American president himself knows the United States has no chance of winning anything if Ukraine loses.鈥�
The French president further cautioned against compromise due to fatigue. 鈥淭he credibility of the West will be shattered if we compromise because of fatigue,鈥� he asserted, adding that a capitulation of Ukraine would be catastrophic鈥攏ot just for Europe, but for U.S. credibility as well.
Fight against terrorism is a 鈥榗entral鈥� priority
Macron addressed a range of pressing international issues, identifying as the 鈥減rincipal strategic and security challenge鈥� in the Middle East. He pointed to Tehran鈥檚 accelerated nuclear program as a looming global threat, warning that the world is 鈥減erilously close to the breaking point.鈥�
On , Macron reiterated France鈥檚 long-term commitment to supporting a democratic transition, pledging to remain faithful to Kurdish fighters battling terrorism. 鈥淭he fight against terrorism must remain central to our priorities,鈥� he said, reaffirming France鈥檚 backing for allies like the Kurds while advocating for a 鈥渟overeign, pluralistic Syria.鈥�
Europe鈥檚 defense and economic future
In a sharp critique of Europe鈥檚 dependence on U.S. defense technology, Macron urged European nations to bolster their industrial capabilities.
鈥淚f we depend on the American industrial base for our security, we will face strategic dilemmas that are both cruel and culpable,鈥� he warned.
Macron also addressed the trade deal that France continues to oppose, signaling his country's intent to push for coherent commitments. The proposed agreement, which aims to reduce tariffs and boost trade between the European Union and South American countries, has been criticized for its potential environmental and agricultural impacts. 鈥淭he mass is not said. We will continue to defend the coherence of our commitments,鈥� Macron stated.
Macron鈥檚 remarks underscored France鈥檚 delicate balancing act on the global stage鈥攃ollaborating with old allies while maintaining European sovereignty.
Thomas Adamson, The Associated Press
