French President Emmanuel Macron sharply criticized the framework agreement reached between the European Union and the United States on Sunday, saying it showed Europe's inability to be perceived as a force by President Donald Trump, Reuters quoted him as saying.
"To be free, you have to inspire fear. We weren't scary enough," Macron told his ministers, according to sources at the Elysee Palace quoted by French media.
Although the new agreement provides more predictability for French and European businesses, the French head of state described it as only "a first step" in the negotiations that are yet to continue.
"More than ever, it is important to accelerate the European agenda for sovereignty and competitiveness," Macron stressed.
His remarks come in the context of the EU's efforts to strengthen its strategic autonomy, especially given the increasing unpredictability in transatlantic relations since Donald Trump returned to the White House following the US presidential election.