Europe must respond to ongoing pressure from the United States and treat the Greenland moment as a call to accelerate EU reforms, deepen strategic autonomy, and expand its economic power.

France is pushing for a common funding mechanism, such as eurobonds or an equivalent, to finance future investments and reduce dependence on the dollar’s hegemonic role.

A European preference in strategic sectors like cleantech, chemistry, steel, automotive, and defense should be pursued to defend European industry without resorting to protectionism.

The interview was conducted with Le Monde and other European outlets, with the full content behind a paywall for subscribers.

The remarks were given in an interview published ahead of a European leaders’ summit in Brussels, signaling urgency for competitiveness and growth.

The interview appeared in Le Monde and Süddeutsche Zeitung as part of a broader discussion on Europe’s evolving geopolitical and economic landscape.

France notes past reluctance among EU members, especially Germany, toward mutualised debt, and contrasts reform efforts with northern European models.

Examples cited include governing the Mercosur deal, imposing safeguards on Chinese EVs, and using steel safeguards to balance openness with strategic protection.

There is a push for a common EU stance on defense, technology, and economic policy to prevent a perceived decline in Europe’s global influence and to maintain strategic autonomy.

The European agenda emphasizes simplifying and deepening the internal market, creating a European code of commercial law, and integrating capital markets and networks to serve 450 million Europeans.

Diversifying trade partnerships and expanding cooperation, such as with India, are highlighted while criticizing outdated Mercosur terms that hurt European agriculture.

Strengthened Franco-German cooperation is essential for Europe, with ongoing Franco-Italian collaboration and defense projects like FCAS continuing despite rumors of its demise.