This week, we welcome Thierry Breton, ex-European commissioner at the internal market and former Minister of the French Economy. Faced with the threat of the Trump administration on various subjects, he comments on the security, digital or commercial challenges that the European Union must take up.
Defense is at the heart of European Union (EU) discussions when the Polandwhich holds the rotating presidency of the Council, devotes almost 5 % of its GDP In La Défense, a record in Europe.
Faced with the military weight of UNITED STATESin particular through NATO, Thierry Breton, ex-European-in-house commissioner, insists that ” Europe must take its destiny in hand, in all dimensions, including in terms of defense ». If he believes that the EU has the necessary infrastructure to increase its defense capacities, he calls it to ” Increase its industrial base In order to produce and use European weapons.
The former Minister of the French Economy also wishes to address a taboo subject: ” We have 26 countries in Europe which depend on the United States for nuclear deterrence. ” There France Being the only country in the Union to have nuclear weapons, the former European-commissioner believes that this dependence on the Americans is ” unfavorable »In the EU. “” As long as this problem has not been addressed seriously between the twenty-seven, there will be dependence on the United States, which are in a transactional logic He warns. “” France must now speak of this component (nuclear) with all twenty-seven. “” ” In the confidentiality required by this type of discussion “, He said.
“” We must, Europeans, took our destiny in hand »»
In terms of war in Ukraine,, Donald Trump met with Vladimir Putinwithout including the Ukrainians and the EU. Thierry Breton recalls that ” This war takes place on the European continent ». “” We have to Europeans, take our destiny in hand. We must be heard. Today, we are very much to find that Europe does not speak enough “, He denounces. The former European-commissioner believes that Ukraine is ” A sovereign country that fought admirably “And that” Europe must say that discussions must take place with it and with Volodymyr Zelensky ».
Another subject of transatlantic discord: the threat of Donald Trump to increase the customs duties of European products, by establishing “reciprocal customs duties”. The former commissioner for the internal market explains that such customs duties would first impact American consumers, because the products will cost more for purchase. “” If there are commercial discussions, we will be ready to conduct them He believes. “” This political power relationship must be exercised. We must respond by targeting areas, geographies or industries that have a political impact rather than economic “, He explains. He calls to confine negotiations to the commercial sector, without giving in to pressures on other land: we must not undermine our laws framing digital services or AI ” who do not please the Trump administration ». “” We cannot agree to unravel what is part of our integrity to avoid customs duties. »»
“” There is a link between immigration and increase in national wealth »»
In terms of environment, the European Commission is accused by environmentalists and NGOs to set up a simplification of standards for companies that could be synonymous with deregulation. The former European-in-law in charge of industry calls for keeping “ Our guideline “In connection with the Paris Accords:” If ever you have to improve the elements of this transition, it must be done, but you must always have the goal in mind: 2050, continent decarbon. »»
Another subject that ignites debates within twenty-seven: immigration management. While many member states tighten their host policy, the Spanish socialist government has adopted a reform that intends to regularize 900,000 undocumented foreigners within three years. Spain, which experienced spectacular growth in 2024, recording the best performance in the euro zone, said that immigration is not a danger, but a source of economic growth. “” There is a link between immigration and increased national wealth. All economists will tell you “Confirms Thierry Breton. “” This does not mean that immigration should not be controlled. Integration is the subject on which we must work together “, He tempers.
During the summit for action on artificial intelligence (IA) on February 10 and 11, France welcomed international heads, companies and specialists. THE United States, major AI market leaders, call to limit regulation to promote the development of industry. Thierry Breton, former European commissioner in charge of digital, does not believe in the American hegemony: “ The United States will follow us, otherwise it will be on the sidelines of the world. “Defending his record as a commissioner, marked by the establishment of European digital laws, he calls for being” proud »From our regulation. “” If international companies want to benefit from the European domestic market, they will have to comply with our standards He says. “” We have everything you need in Europe, we have the largest industrial and professional data reservoir in the world. Now it takes funding “, And a union of European capital markets to better raise funds, he concludes.