French President, Emmanuel Macron has stated that he will not yield to the threats from President Trump to impose 100% tariffs on French wines unless Paris removes its digital tax on U.S. tech companies.
In an interview, Macron said that the tax was decided by Europeans and that it is not “for the United States to decide what European or French law should be.”
He added that this position is “normal” and will not change “as long as I am here.” Wines and spirits exported from the European Union to the U.S. currently face a 15% tariff.
Macron’s remarks come as world leaders are gathering in the French resort town of Evian-les-Bains for the Group of Seven (G7) summit with a new impetus following the announcement of an agreement to end to the U.S. war against Iran. Trump will arrive later today.
The G7 includes France, the United States, Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United Kingdom. Guest nations at this summit include Brazil, Egypt, India, Kenya, South Korea, Qatar, Syria, Ukraine, and the United Arab Emirates.
Macron said that he intends to address the tariff issue in a “respectful but firm” manner during the G7 summit.
“What is important to understand is why the G7 was created. To resolve many of our international imbalances, it is better to coordinate and consult with one another, especially when we are among the world’s major democracies.”
Emmanuel Macron
The United States and Iran reached an initial agreement that would lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, but significant challenges remain to ending the war, including whether Israel will continue its offensive in Lebanon.
Macron said that France and other Western partners are “ready to take action very quickly” to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz peacefully. France and Britain have championed a mission to restore maritime security in the strait as soon as conditions allow. “We already have forces in the area,” Macron said in the interview.
“We are ready to take action very quickly … to send aircraft, deploy a frigate, send mine-clearing vessels. We also have our aircraft carrier, the Charles de Gaulle, along with its accompanying strike group, which remains in the region and could be deployed within two or three days following confirmation [of the deal between the U.S. and Iran].”
Emmanuel Macron
Ahead of their meeting at the G7, G7 leaders issued a joint statement congratulating the United States, the Iranian government and the mediators on what they called a “diplomatic breakthrough.” Canada also signed the statement.
The leaders said that it was vital for detailed negotiations to take place and for the deal to be quickly implemented so the Strait of Hormuz can be reopened to tanker traffic. They say they are committed to playing their part, including the possibility of mine clearance operations.
The announced agreement between U.S and Iran could change the dynamic of the G7 summit for Trump. He’s had friction with French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni over failing to consult them before the decision to go to war.
Meanwhile, Trump has pushed back on the four European leaders — members of the NATO military alliance — for their lack of support for the U.S. in the conflict. According to the White House, Trump is expected to discuss with leaders the demining of the Strait of Hormuz.
Macron Hails Security Efforts Over G7 Summit
With world leaders flying in, the G7 summit venue in Evian-les-Bains is being transformed with police patrols on many streets and corners, checking passes and watching crowds.
Macron, the summit host, dropped by a temporary headquarters for the security operation in Evian early today, to thank officers for their work.
He called the 3-day summit on the Middle East, Ukraine, trade and other issues “a big source of pride for France, a big responsibility.”
Macron told assembled police officers, gendarmes, firefighters, health workers and other personnel, “We’ll try to make maximum progress on all the issues that are important for our country, our continent and also for global peace and prosperity.”
Macron said that nearly 13,800 officers were deployed for the security operation. “Only your collective mobilization makes this possible,” he said as he wished them good luck for the coming days and urged them to keep up the work.
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