In a moment marked by sensitivity and strategic importance for transatlantic ties, French President Emmanuel Macron travelled to the United States this Tuesday evening for a three-day schedule with President Joe Biden and other senior officials from the Democratic administration.
Macron was received in a ceremonial fashion by Biden, a gesture that signals the high standing of the French-American relationship. Yet the trip comes amid a tense climate and questions about trust, as analysts note in discussions with major think tanks and French media. Observers say that while Macron and Biden share a broad strategic alignment, recent frictions have sown unease, particularly around security and economic policy that affect Europe and North America alike.
Historical strains linger from shifts in American foreign policy and the evolution of European attitudes toward security and energy. Officials on both sides acknowledge a period of adjustment since earlier years, when disagreements over trade and security mattered as much as shared objectives. A senior European official recently described the dynamic to Politico as one where the United States has benefited from energy and arms sales, while European partners face higher costs and a more challenging energy market. The conversation is framed by concerns over pricing, supply, and industrial policy that could ripple across industry sectors on both shores.
Angry at Biden’s green protectionism
One major point of contention for Paris is a landmark U.S. program that supports electric vehicle manufacturing and broader green initiatives on American soil. The act, approved in the prior year, channels substantial subsidies to drive domestic production and reduce emissions. Its implementation could affect European energy and industrial policy, especially as European leaders weigh how to preserve green goals without losing competitive ground. The urgency grows amid an energy crisis and the hunt for stable, affordable energy futures.
At the heart of the talks between Biden and Macron will be Ukraine and the U.S. Inflation Reduction measures. The leaders are set to meet at the White House with expectations of a joint press appearance. In recent weeks, Washington and Paris have shown converging language on the Ukraine conflict, with signals pointing toward a path toward negotiation between Kyiv and Moscow. This convergence has also shown up in remarks from senior military and intelligence officials who have met with counterparts in both capitals, signaling a shared interest in stability and negotiated outcomes.
Fair competition
On the economic front, gaps remain, especially regarding protectionist moves that could spark tensions with European partners. Macron aims to defend a principle of fair play: European and American companies should compete on level ground using similar tools. He intends to pursue targeted exemptions within the U.S. program to shield European energy sectors and services. The objective is clear: avoid distortions that tilt the playing field while encouraging innovation and resilience on both sides of the Atlantic.
The timing of the final talks is deliberate, occurring ahead of a broader EU-U.S. forum on trade and technology. The European side hopes for concrete concessions related to the controversial law, though the outcome remains uncertain. To counter green protectionism, Macron looks to showcase European initiatives that encourage domestic electrification and green production, while acknowledging Brussels will need time to respond to fast-moving global energy and manufacturing challenges.
France has also highlighted the need for a balanced approach to industrial policy, arguing that both continents should invest in sustainable production and shared standards. As Paris calls for pragmatic alignment, officials stress that global supply chains must adapt to new realities rather than revert to yesterday’s norms. In public remarks, French policy makers have urged a steady, collaborative stance, noting that the new global climate demands cooperation rather than confrontation.