French President Emmanuel Macron issued a significant call on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, urging the United Kingdom and other European nations to strategically “de-risk” their relationships with both the United States and China. The plea came during a landmark address to both Houses of the British Parliament on the afternoon of the first day of his three-day state visit to the U.K.
Mr. Macron’s remarks underscored a persistent theme in his foreign policy vision: the pursuit of greater European strategic autonomy in a rapidly shifting global landscape. By addressing British lawmakers directly in Westminster, a rare honour for a visiting head of state, the French President highlighted the importance he places on the U.K.’s role, post-Brexit, in navigating complex international dependencies.
The Call to “De-Risk”
The core of President Macron’s message was the need for Europe and the U.K. to reduce their critical dependencies on the world’s two largest economies. He argued that an over-reliance, particularly in sensitive areas such as supply chains, technology, and critical infrastructure, exposes nations to undue vulnerability amidst increasing geopolitical tensions and economic competition.
“De-risking is not about decoupling,” President Macron clarified, acknowledging the intricate and vital economic ties that bind Europe and the U.K. to both Washington and Beijing. Instead, he framed de-risking as a pragmatic strategy involving diversification, strengthening domestic and regional capacities, and enhancing resilience against potential disruptions, whether they stem from economic coercion, political shifts, or unforeseen global crises.
Regarding the United States, President Macron’s comments reflect broader European anxieties about American policy predictability and the potential for unilateral actions that could impact European economic interests or strategic security. While the U.S. remains Europe’s closest ally, particularly within NATO, trade disputes, technology competition, and differences over approaches to global challenges have prompted calls for Europe to bolster its own capabilities and reduce dependencies where possible.
Similarly, the relationship with China presents a complex dilemma. China is a crucial trading partner and a source of investment, but concerns are mounting over issues such as intellectual property theft, unfair trade practices, human rights, and Beijing’s increasing global assertiveness. President Macron, mirroring positions held by the European Union, advocated for a more balanced approach that seeks cooperation where possible but is also prepared to address systemic rivalries and reduce critical dependencies, particularly in high-tech sectors and raw materials.
Addressing British Parliament
The setting for this significant address – to both Houses of the British Parliament on Tuesday afternoon, July 8, 2025 – lent considerable weight to President Macron’s words. It symbolised the enduring if sometimes complex relationship between France and the United Kingdom, and provided a platform to articulate a vision for European security and prosperity that explicitly includes the U.K.
His presence in Westminster on the first day of his three-day state visit underscored the diplomatic effort to strengthen Franco-British ties in the post-Brexit era. While the U.K. is no longer a member of the European Union, its status as a major European power with significant defense, intelligence, and economic capabilities makes its alignment on key strategic issues highly desirable for Brussels and Paris.
Implications and Challenges
Implementing a comprehensive de-risking strategy is fraught with challenges. It requires significant investment in domestic industries, research and development, and infrastructure. It also necessitates careful diplomatic navigation to avoid antagonizing crucial partners like the United States or China, with whom deep economic engagement remains essential.
For the U.K., aligning with such a European call for de-risking presents its own set of considerations, balancing its post-Brexit independent trade policy ambitions with the strategic benefits of closer alignment with European partners on managing global dependencies. Mr. Macron’s direct appeal to British lawmakers suggests a desire to foster greater convergence on these critical geopolitical and economic challenges.
President Macron’s address on July 8, 2025, during his state visit to the U.K. serves as a powerful reminder of the evolving global power dynamics and the imperative for established nations like those in Europe and the U.K. to adapt. His call to “de-risk” relationships with America and China signals a strategic pivot towards building greater resilience and autonomy in an increasingly uncertain world.
