The French president’s objective is to strengthen ties with Joe Biden, at a time when the war in Ukraine is making cooperation between the United States and Europe even more essential, while risking to test cohesion of the transatlantic bloc. The latter, whether in support of Ukraine against Russia, sanctions against Moscow, or the strengthening of NATO to protect the Old Continent, has shown great unity since the beginning of the conflict. But friction has surfaced in recent weeks over the economic repercussions of the war. The law on reducing inflation passed by Congress this summer, considered a political success for Joe Biden, is strongly criticized by Mr Macron, who considers that it can contribute to widening the gap between the European and American economies , by supporting companies established in the United States in a discriminatory manner. The visit should make it possible to address this sensitive subject, while talking about the Ukrainian conflict, in particular from the angle of the means to be deployed to avoid escalation with Moscow, or even a way out of the crisis, as soon as the Ukrainian authorities so wish. The trip also helped foster cooperation in the space and civilian nuclear sectors.
“The Head of State intends above all to take advantage of the moment to appear as the true face of Europe”
