Macron Says US, China, and Russia Leaders are 'Strongly Anti-Europe,' Calls for Unity
French President Emmanuel Macron has compared the leaders of the US, China, and Russia, stating that all three are 'strongly opposed' to European interests. He urged Europe to 'wake up' and strengthen its own security and unity.
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- 📰 Published: April 25, 2026 at 14:41
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ATHENS, April 24 (AFP) — French President Emmanuel Macron today placed US President Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping in the same light, claiming that all three world leaders are 'strongly opposed' to Europe's positions.
Reports indicate that the 'bromance' between Macron and the unpredictable Trump has cooled in recent months, with the White House openly expressing dissatisfaction over Europe's refusal to participate in the conflict against Iran.
During his visit to Athens, Greece, Macron urged Europe to stand up and utilize its global influence, a consistent theme of his presidency. Speaking in English during a discussion with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, he said, 'We should not underestimate that this is a special moment; the US President, the Russian President, and the Chinese President are all strongly opposed to Europe.'
'Therefore, this is exactly the moment for us to be alert,' he added.
Macron has long urged Europe to strengthen its own security rather than relying on the US. He once again called for the reinforcement of the European component of NATO. He noted that there are now 'doubts from the outside regarding NATO's Article 5,' referring to the collective defense principle where members aid each other if attacked.
Trump has repeatedly raised questions about his willingness to adhere to Article 5 and has criticized NATO for failing to assist the US in the war against Iran. Macron stated that this doubt is 'effectively weakening the strength of the alliance.'
Earlier, Reuters cited a US official saying that the Trump administration is considering how to punish allies who have not participated in the Iran war, with the prime ministers of Spain and Italy being forced to defend their countries' contributions to NATO.
Reports indicate that the 'bromance' between Macron and the unpredictable Trump has cooled in recent months, with the White House openly expressing dissatisfaction over Europe's refusal to participate in the conflict against Iran.
During his visit to Athens, Greece, Macron urged Europe to stand up and utilize its global influence, a consistent theme of his presidency. Speaking in English during a discussion with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, he said, 'We should not underestimate that this is a special moment; the US President, the Russian President, and the Chinese President are all strongly opposed to Europe.'
'Therefore, this is exactly the moment for us to be alert,' he added.
Macron has long urged Europe to strengthen its own security rather than relying on the US. He once again called for the reinforcement of the European component of NATO. He noted that there are now 'doubts from the outside regarding NATO's Article 5,' referring to the collective defense principle where members aid each other if attacked.
Trump has repeatedly raised questions about his willingness to adhere to Article 5 and has criticized NATO for failing to assist the US in the war against Iran. Macron stated that this doubt is 'effectively weakening the strength of the alliance.'
Earlier, Reuters cited a US official saying that the Trump administration is considering how to punish allies who have not participated in the Iran war, with the prime ministers of Spain and Italy being forced to defend their countries' contributions to NATO.