<\/p>\n
\nBenjamin Haddad, the Minister Delegate for Europe, responds to our questions as the \u00a0European Union\u00a0 navigates a critical geopolitical turning point under pressure from the \u00a0United States\u00a0.\n<\/p>\n
The suspension on American tariffs is set to end on July 9. Will Europe’s negotiations yield results?<\/p>\n
I hope so. Our goal is to achieve a \u00a0de-escalation agreement\u00a0. The negotiations are ongoing; their duration indicates an \u00a0asymmetrical situation\u00a0 where unjustified American tariffs are imposed on the European economy. We cannot accept a bad deal, and to ensure this, we must remain united.<\/p>\n
We have defined European countermeasures, such as tariffs on imported American goods. We can also explore further options, including taxing American digital services. These are tools we have at our disposal to respond effectively. Europe has the means to defend itself.<\/p>\n
Recently, \u00a0European nations\u00a0 endorsed a historic increase in defense spending during the NATO summit, amid pressure from the United States. Is Trump forcing his agenda on Europe?<\/p>\n
No, I don\u2019t believe America is imposing its choices through force. The increase in our defense budgets is prompted by the more dangerous world we live in today. We need to rearm and defend ourselves.<\/p>\n
During Emmanuel Macron’s two terms, France’s defense budget has doubled, not because of outside pressure, but due to witnessing Russia’s aggression toward Ukraine and its \u00a0cyberattack\u00a0 operations. We see the \u00a0terrorist threat\u00a0 as a significant concern, and beyond Trump, the U.S. is becoming more focused on China, as we observed under Obama\u2019s administration. Therefore, we need to draw the right conclusions as Europeans and take our destiny into our own hands.<\/p>\n
Trump has repeatedly cast doubt on the U.S. commitment to NATO Article 5, the principle of collective defense in case of aggression. Does that uncertainty persist?<\/p>\n
Trump has stated he would uphold Article 5. It’s in the interest of the \u00a0United States\u00a0 to have allies. However, I prefer to focus on what we can control ourselves. We cannot leave our security dependent on Americans or others. We must be capable of responding to threats and challenges independently if necessary.<\/p>\n
This requires strategic autonomy. Europe is making historical decisions, such as the \u20ac150 billion \u00a0Safe Plan\u00a0, an EU bond to finance projects in the defense industry, reducing dependence in cybersecurity, drones, satellites, and investing in space. In all these areas, we need a strong European identity.<\/p>\n
Trump has threatened to withdraw American forces from Europe. Is this a real possibility?<\/p>\n
At the NATO summit, there was a constructive atmosphere among allies, a collective desire to increase our defense budgets, and this topic didn\u2019t come up.<\/p>\n
Do you believe a ceasefire in Ukraine is possible?<\/p>\n
The Ukrainians have shown willingness to embrace a ceasefire to allow for diplomacy. Russia, however, maintains its aggression and continues escalating demands that are unacceptable, such as demilitarizing Ukraine or toppling President \u00a0Zelensky\u00a0. We must increase pressure on Russia to bring it back to the negotiating table.<\/p>\n
We are finalizing an 18th sanctions package in Europe that will hit the energy sector in Russia hard as it continues to generate revenue to fund its war. We must continue our economic and military support for Ukraine. This war at our doorstep poses a threat to international security. Ukrainians are fighting for their freedom, but also for our security, so we must remain strong over the long term.<\/p>\n
Emmanuel Macron spoke on the phone last Tuesday with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, their first known direct exchange since 2022. “The President of the Republic has always emphasized that France does not prohibit itself from speaking with President Putin<\/em>,\u201d says Benjamin Haddad. “The question of the Iranian nuclear program, amid heightened tensions in recent weeks, justifies this call, given the risk of Iran exiting the Non-Proliferation Treaty and the necessity of resolving the issue through diplomatic means. This call was also an opportunity for President Macron to reiterate our firm stance on Ukraine and our wish for an \u00a0unconditional ceasefire\u00a0,\u201d<\/em> explains the Minister.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Trump claims a ceasefire is “close” in Gaza. Are you aware of any such information?<\/p>\n We support efforts toward a ceasefire. The President is in regular contact with various actors. France demands the \u00a0unconditional release\u00a0 of all hostages, access to humanitarian aid for civilians, a ceasefire, and, above all, the resumption of regional political dialogue that can lead to two states: Israel must live in security, and a sovereign Palestinian state. This is the entire aim of the political settlement conference that France will organize with Saudi Arabia.<\/p>\n The Iranian nuclear threat remains on the table after American strikes, according to \u00a0IAEA\u00a0 Director Rafael Grossi. Do you confirm?<\/p>\n Military solutions alone will not suffice; they may only delay the nuclear program. To sustainably eliminate this threat, a security framework must be established through negotiations and robust IAEA inspections. Iran supports terrorist groups in the region, such as Hamas and Hezbollah, threatens Israel\u2019s existence, and aids Russia’s aggression against Ukraine with missiles and drones. It is a destabilizing actor that must not attain nuclear weapons.<\/p>\n The U.S. has chosen to exit the 2015 nuclear agreement, which has degraded regional security. Our goal now is to recreate a framework with everyone: the Americans, our partners in the region, and, of course, the Europeans.<\/p>\n Are Europeans today marginalized by Donald Trump? His positioning has raised questions and was perceived as an humiliation during the NATO summit.<\/p>\n Those terms don\u2019t reflect the reality of our relationship. The truth is that we are entering a more conflictual world; this is a critical geopolitical moment, and it presents an opportunity for Europe to emerge stronger. This requires a profound shift in strategy for Europeans.<\/p>\n The power dynamics are also shifting in Europe, with the rise of the nationalist president Karol Nawrocki in Poland raising concerns in Kyiv about the potential withdrawal of Polish support. Do you share these concerns?<\/p>\n No, we recently signed the \u00a0Nancy Treaty\u00a0 to deepen our relations with Poland. It’s the Prime Minister who governs the country, and he remains a key player in Central Europe who has been at the forefront in supporting Ukraine. I genuinely believe we will continue to cooperate.<\/p>\n Does the rising \u00a0sovereigntist\u00a0 trend in Europe (Poland, Slovakia, Italy, Hungary) pose a threat to the rule of law?<\/p>\n The European Union is a community of values, and we must be unwavering regarding the rule of law. I, along with Aurore Berg\u00e9, decided to send our ambassador for LGBT rights to the Pride event that had been banned in Budapest. European funds have been frozen due to Hungary’s non-compliance with the rule of law. We must be extremely clear on defending minority rights and judicial independence.<\/p>\n However, when populist movements arise across Europe, including in our own country, we must address the people’s concerns, particularly regarding security, immigration, prosperity, and competition. We must demonstrate that Europe delivers results.<\/p>\n Nevertheless, if Ms. Meloni achieves success in managing the migration issue, it is because she opted for \u00a0European cooperation\u00a0. There is no solution in retreat. We must strengthen our European tools to respond to our citizens’ concerns; the best way to fight the far-right is to recognize these issues sensibly.<\/p>\n Immigration will be a central issue during Denmark’s EU presidency, starting July 1. What changes will this prompt?<\/p>\n Several major advancements will occur. First, the implementation of the asylum-migration pact within the next six months, a small revolution that will allow initial selection of asylum seekers at the borders of the European Union.<\/p>\n The second pillar will be the reform of the return regulation to ease expulsions at the European level, with a clear principle: those who come to us and integrate are welcome; those who do not respect our rules must be able to return to their country. We can leverage commercial agreements to apply pressure on countries that refuse to accept their expelled nationals. Here we are much stronger as 27 states. We must adopt an assertive approach; Europe must emerge from its naivete.<\/p>\n The European Commission will present an objective aiming to reduce CO2 emissions by 90% by 2040. What will France’s position be?<\/p>\n We must continue our \u00a0decarbonization efforts\u00a0 but do so pragmatically, by supporting our industries, businesses, and households. France is asking the European Commission to clarify the conditions for achieving this new objective. This means supporting \u00a0nuclear energy\u00a0 and establishing a global carbon market that allows us to buy or sell carbon credits to countries outside the European Union.<\/p>\n Otherwise, we risk empowering our Chinese and American competitors, who have lower environmental standards, while fostering resentment toward the demands placed upon us. It is essential to respect these balances.<\/p>\n Greenpeace argues that France is jeopardizing European climate ambition…<\/p>\n This is entirely false. France has always championed European climate ambition and has been at the forefront. When we look at our figures regarding CO2 reduction, we are among the top performers in Europe. Thus, no caricatures!<\/p>\n Are ecological challenges no longer a priority for France and Europe in light of numerous ecological setbacks, such as the recent compromise in parliament on the return of a pesticide? Are we witnessing significant unraveling?<\/p>\n No, the question is how we can effectively ensure long-term sustainability while accompanying economic actors. I do not believe, for instance, that we must oppose environmental ambitions and farmers.<\/p>\n French farmers are asking for the elimination of the European subsidy for South African agriculture. What is your stance?<\/p>\n I found this subsidy very surprising. I sent a letter today (July 1) to the European Commission to seek explanations.<\/p>\n We must be extremely vigilant regarding all funding and \u00a0European subsidies\u00a0. I initiated another proposal regarding funding for NGOs linked to political Islam or anti-Semitism (requesting that organizations close to the Muslim Brotherhood or Salafists be excluded from these aids).<\/p>\n In this specific case, farmers must not be the constant adjustment variable in the Commission’s commercial or international policy. That is our line on Mercosur. Thus, I want to understand exactly what has happened concerning this subsidy, and if it is unjustified, it must be eliminated.<\/p>\n The European budget proposal is set to be presented on July 16. What will France’s position be in light of Germany’s reluctance to increase funding?<\/p>\n We need an ambitious European budget for a stronger Europe to enhance our competitiveness, innovation, and invest in defense and space while also protecting our farmers and territories. This requires increasing the EU’s financial capabilities, reinforcing European instruments to mobilize private funding.<\/p>\n I will be in Berlin this Wednesday, July 2, to launch a Franco-German working group on the European budget, with officials, parliament members, and experts, precisely to collaborate on defining our objectives.<\/p>\n In France, what economic measures are being discussed for the upcoming budget?<\/p>\n The Prime Minister has courageously addressed the need to reduce public spending and our debt. When I travel across Europe, I observe that we are taxed more than our neighbors. Therefore, the solution does not lie in imposing additional taxes. Instead, we need to work harder and, particularly, increase workforce participation. Our employment rate is lower, especially among the youth and seniors.<\/p>\n We must exert efforts to reduce expenditures and continue reforms to boost employment rates. The French expect responsibility from us, and a dialogue is being initiated with various political forces in the country. I hope this will be a moment of responsibility for everyone.<\/p>\n Could the government struggle with this exercise and face censure?<\/p>\n The French understand that we must make efforts to lower our deficit and debt. They recognize the need for stability, especially during times of geopolitical pressure. Will some political forces choose instability or chaos, or will they, conversely, embrace responsibility? The French population will be watching.<\/p>\n<\/div>\nRegional Conflicts and Global Security<\/h2>\n