France's Macron criticises EU-US trade deal, sees it as first step, sources say
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FILE PHOTO: French President Emmanuel Macron speaks at a press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (not pictured), at Villa Borsig in Berlin, Germany, July 23, 2025. REUTERS/Annegret Hilse/File Photo
PARIS - French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday criticised a framework deal struck between the European Union and the United States on Sunday, saying it showed the bloc had not managed to be "feared" by U.S. President Donald Trump.
"To be free, you need to be feared. We were not feared enough," he was quoted as telling ministers by French officials.
Although the deal offers more visibility to French businesses, Macron said it was only a first step and would continue to be negotiated.
"Now more than ever, it is important to accelerate the European agenda of sovereignty and competitiveness," Macron said, according to the officials. REUTERS
