“He will seek to divide, to negotiate bilaterally, but it will be up to the Europeans to play the game,” warns Philippe Étienne, former French ambassador to the United States.

As Donald Trump's inauguration ceremony approaches, chancelleries and diplomats are on alert, confirms Philippe Étienne, former French ambassador to the United States, guest of “La Matinale” on franceinfo, Monday 20 January. “They are first curious to listen to what Donald Trump will say”he emphasizes. “We can guess a little about his political priorities, we will see them in the speech and in the first texts that he will sign”adds the former ambassador, referring to the hundred or so decrees that Donald Trump plans to sign once invested.

Will a balance of power be established between European countries and Donald Trump? “Foreign policy is often a balance of power, and with this president, it certainly is”concedes Philippe Étienne, who also indicates that“a collective reaction from Europeans must be prepared”. “There will be an informal meeting of heads of state and government on European defense at the beginning of February”points out the diplomat. Regarding Donald Trump's economic policy, Philippe Étienne warns: “He will seek to divide, to negotiate bilaterally, but it will also be up to the Europeans to play the game”.

Watch the full interview in the video above.