Michel Barnier warns Europeans against “every man for himself”

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier warned Europeans on Wednesday November 6 against “every man for himself” after Donald Trump's victory as president of the United States, pleading for a “coordinated European strategy”reported the government spokesperson. “The temptation (must) not be to each man for himself nor to bilateral relations, but rather to a coordinated European strategy”affirmed the Head of State during the Council of Ministers, according to government representative Maud Bregeon, in her report to the press.

Emmanuel Macron had previously addressed his “Congratulations” au “President Donald Trump”saying to himself «ready to work together as we have been able to do for four years” during the Republican's first term. He also agreed with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz “to work for a more united, stronger, more sovereign Europe”. The two men had a telephone interview to “coordinate closely”according to a German government spokesperson.

“A strong voice in Europe”

During the Council of Ministers, the Prime Minister clarified “that our role was not to comment on the choice of sovereign peoples, but that what was needed, on the other hand, was a European strategic awakening”. “He insisted that salvation would lie neither in blissful transatlanticism nor in narrow nationalism. France must carry (…) a strong voice in Europe for more sovereignty, to maintain unity within the European Union, to look after our interests, to protect our common borders.according to Ms. Bregeon.

“We must consolidate our European strategy, our European coordination on the major challenges we face in terms of climate change, in terms of defense, in terms of ecology” as well as “of commerce, of agriculture”added the spokesperson. “The United States is our ally and will remain so. The President of the Republic has a demanding relationship, obviously with President Trump.she added.

On the future of Ukraine, at war with Russia, “regardless of the choices that the Americans make, the situation in Ukraine, the security of the Ukrainians, the victory of Ukraine and therefore ultimately, our security cannot depend on any foreign power, whatever it may be”assured Maud Bregeon.