French President Emmanuel Macron has called for Europe to shift its geopolitical stance in response to Donald Trump’s reelection as the President of the United States, urging the EU to become an “omnivore” in global affairs. His remarks highlight a need for Europe to reduce reliance on the U.S. and China, asserting that the EU can no longer afford to be the world’s “herbivore” in a landscape dominated by “carnivores.”
Macron’s statement came a day after Trump won the U.S. presidential election in a sweeping victory, raising concerns about potential shifts in Washington’s support for NATO. EU leaders, including Macron, worry that a reduced American commitment could leave Europe more vulnerable, especially regarding defense and security. This has sparked discussions on how Europe must increase its own defense spending and become more self-reliant in areas like technology and energy.
“For me, it’s simple. The world is made up of herbivores and carnivores,” Macron said to European leaders gathered in Budapest. “If we decide to remain herbivores, then the carnivores will win and we will be a market for them.” He argued that Europe should adopt a more balanced approach as an “omnivore,” prepared to defend itself while fostering international alliances where necessary.
Macron’s remarks underscore his long-standing push for Europe to forge its path amid rising global competition, particularly from the U.S. and China. His leadership, however, has recently faced challenges after early elections in France, leaving him to reposition himself as the EU’s bridge to Washington while pushing for a more assertive Europe.
Trump’s reelection and his often critical stance toward European policies on trade and defense have fueled Macron’s urgency. The French president swiftly congratulated Trump, signaling an openness to recalibrate EU-U.S. relations while pressing for Europe’s strategic autonomy.
“We [in Europe] think that we should delegate our geopolitics to the United States, our economic growth to China, and our technological progress to American firms. That’s not the best idea,” Macron emphasized, suggesting that such dependencies are unsustainable for Europe’s future.
Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, attending the Budapest meeting, echoed the need for Europe to bolster its security and defense capacities, especially as Russia continues its aggression in Ukraine. With Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy present at the gathering, EU leaders signaled unwavering support for Kyiv. Yet, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó noted that Trump’s reelection has reshuffled the diplomatic landscape, urging Europe to reassess its strategies while acknowledging that it cannot fully replace the U.S. role in global security.
Despite Macron’s calls for unity, not all EU diplomats are fully aligned with his vision. “He says unity, but it means French unity,” remarked one anonymous diplomat, who cautioned against policies that might “pull up the drawbridges” and weaken Europe’s ties with the United States.
