Europe Is Enlivened By Trump's Trade War Tariff Manuver, President Macron Reminds EU To Unite

French President Emmanuel Macron said Russia's invasion of Ukraine and US President Donald Trump's policy of encouraging Europe to take more responsibility for its own security and economy.

Macron made the statement when he arrived at a meeting of EU leaders in Brussels to discuss relations with the United States and strengthen European military defenses.

The start of the summit was overshadowed by Trump's statement last weekend about the decision to charge imports from the EU, after recently ordering similar measures against goods from Canada, Mexico, and China.

The leaders who came, warned Trump against starting a trade war and said the EU would retaliate if he did.

Macron says Trump's policy is one of several factors that encourage the EU to reduce dependence on other countries.

"The COVID-19 pandemic and Russian aggression in Ukraine are a moment of revival," Macron told reporters.

What is happening today in Ukraine, what is happening now with existing options, the declaration of a new American government under President Trump encourages European countries to be more united, more active in responding to their collective security concerns, Macron continued.

"This means increasing the European defense industry and buying more European weapons," Macron said.

His comments reflect his vision of Europe's "strategic autonomy".

But some other leaders stressed that they wanted to continue a strong security partnership with the US and other members of the NATO alliance and continue to buy US weapons.

Security is our top priority.

"Relationships with the US, Canada and Norway in terms of defense must remain at the forefront," said Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.