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The joint search for solutions to the economic and political consequences of the war in Ukraine will dominate French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to the United States, which begins tomorrow, Wednesday.
Macron travels to Washington on Tuesday for his second state visit to Washington since taking office in 2017, during which he will also try to promote the idea that France is a key partner for the American giant and highlight common historical and cultural ties.
The French government values as a sign of the importance that USA gives to Paris and of its “political significance” that this new state visit has been organized after the one made in 2018.
The highlight will be on Thursday, with the meeting with President Joe Biden at the White House, where Macron will show his concern about the so-called Inflation Reduction Act (IRA, which includes large subsidies to companies investing in the USA) and the possibility that it will generate a return to economic protectionism.
“This law has an impact on our industry,” an Elysée source told a group of journalists, to whom he indicated that Macron will first seek to establish a dialogue with Biden before taking conclusions within the EU framework.
He added that the possibility of obtaining exemptions for European countries is being studied, but also that Europe “should also enter this competition”, something that has already been preliminarily discussed with the heads of government of Germany, Olaf Scholz, and the Netherlands, Mark Rutte.
Balanced Europe-USA relationship
“There is a need for a balanced relationship on common rules, a healthy competition,” the source added.
On the political front, Macron arrives with the objective of maintaining unity in the response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, so that the USA and Europe continue to synchronize their action at the G7 and G20.
However, Paris highlights that Europe has approved most of the economic sanctions on Russia, in a “necessary compromise”, but is suffering as a consequence “significantly higher” energy prices than the United States with its inevitable economic impact.
The French leader will begin his agenda tomorrow with an interview with Vice President Kamala Harris, followed by lunch on Capitol Hill with the Congressional Biodiversity Caucus.
In the afternoon, Macron will participate in a business-to-business event in the nuclear sector, in which France is at the forefront and wants to increase its collaboration, for example with the export of enriched uranium.
There will also be a visit to the tomb of the unknown soldier at Arlington National Cemetery and a tribute to French architect Pierre L’Enfant, designer of the city of Washington, a grid concept with diagonal avenues later used in cities across the country and around the world.
The day will conclude with a private dinner of Macron and his wife with the Biden family, before the more official part of the state visit on Thursday, with the reception at the White House and the formal interview of the two presidents.
In addition to the IRA and the coordination of the response to the war in Ukraine, China and Iran will be two important issues. China, because of its position as a valuable interlocutor with Russia, but also because it is a growing economic, political, and technological competitor to Europe and the USA.
As for Iran, Paris believes that its attitude is “unacceptable” because “it has departed from all its commitments” of the international agreement on its nuclear program, and is also delivering weapons to Russia.
Following a press conference at the White House, Macron will meet with the top leaders of both houses of the U.S. Congress before a gala dinner at the presidential headquarters.
On Friday, the French president will visit New Orleans, a city that was once the capital of French Louisiana and that still maintains a deep French aroma in its streets and culture.
History, culture, climate protection and sports will be the themes of Macron’s stay in the southern city, where he will conclude his visit.
