By Trendsetter Tribune 
In a significant interview published on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, French President Emmanuel Macron issued a stark warning to the European Union, urging the bloc to transition from a “market” into a “global power.” His remarks come just days before a high-stakes EU summit in Flanders (scheduled for Thursday, Feb 12), where leaders will debate the continent’s lagging competitiveness against the U.S. and China.+1
The “Dual Crisis”: China’s Tsunami and U.S. Instability
Macron argued that Europe is caught in a pincer move between two superpowers that no longer follow the rules the EU helped build.
- China: Macron described China’s $1 trillion trade surplus as a “commercial tsunami” and warned that Beijing has shifted from a vital export market to a “fierce competitor.”
- The United States: He pointed to a “split-second instability” in Washington, characterizing the U.S. as a nation that is “increasingly moving away from the rule of law.” He specifically cited recent tariff threats and the administration’s unpredictable foreign policy.
A €1.2 Trillion Plan: “Future-Oriented” Eurobonds
To counter these threats, Macron proposed a massive investment surge of €1.2 trillion per year (approximately $1.4 trillion) to fund defense, artificial intelligence, and green energy.
| Proposal | Key Objective |
| Shared Debt | Launching “Eurobonds for the future” to fund strategic industrial projects. |
| Dollar Alternative | Challenging the hegemony of the U.S. dollar by offering global investors safe, liquid European debt assets. |
| Reciprocity | Ending the “naive” openness of the EU market by imposing the same rules on foreign producers that European producers must follow. |
The German Resistance: As expected, the proposal faces immediate pushback from “frugal” northern nations. While Germany has previously agreed to one-time joint borrowing (such as the 2020 COVID recovery fund), Berlin remains skeptical of a permanent debt facility, fearing it would subsidize lack of reform in nations like France.+1
The Greenland Shadow
Macron’s most biting comments were reserved for the recent standoff over Greenland, where President Donald Trump reportedly reached a “framework deal” with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte last week to avoid 10% tariffs on European allies.
- The “Cowardly” Lull: Macron warned Europeans not to be “fooled” by the current pause in U.S. threats. He described a “cowardly tendency” to sit back once a crisis appears to pass, noting that the pressure on European digital technology and pharmaceuticals continues daily.+1
- Sovereignty: He insisted that “intimidation” from Washington should not lead to a settlement, as it strategically increases Europe’s dependency.
The Flanders Summit: What to Watch
When EU leaders meet this Thursday, they will weigh Macron’s vision against a more cautious reality. While many agree with the need for a “Made in Europe” strategy, the continent remains split on how to pay for it.