### Macron Urges Europe to Adopt Bold Stance in Wake of Trump's Re-election

In light of Donald Trump’s re-election as President of the United States, French President Emmanuel Macron has issued a clarion call for Europe to transform from a passive "herbivore" to an assertive "omnivore." Macron’s remarks come amid growing apprehension that Trump’s leadership may lead to a decreased U.S. role in NATO, thereby necessitating increased defense expenditure by European nations.

Macron, a staunch advocate for a more self-reliant Europe, emphasized the urgency for the European Union to become less dependent on major global players such as China and the U.S. "For me, it's simple. The world is made up of herbivores and carnivores. If we decide to remain herbivores, then the carnivores will win and we will be a market for them,” he stated during a recent assembly with European leaders in Budapest.

Despite facing political challenges within his own country, Macron's comments were aimed at strengthening his position as a leading proponent of a robust and independent Europe. Coinciding with these remarks, Macron was one of the first world leaders to extend congratulations to Trump on his electoral victory.

Macron articulated his vision for Europe to become "omnivores" in global affairs—not out of aggression, but out of a necessity for self-defense across various domains. An EU diplomat in Budapest noted that Trump’s re-election could potentially bolster Macron’s status as a fervent supporter of a more assertive European Union, particularly in areas like trade and security.

Europe is currently straddling precarious trade relationships with both the U.S. and China. The European Commission recently imposed tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, while facing looming threats from Trump’s administration to levy tariffs on EU products. Macron warned against granting too much influence to external powers, stating, "We [in Europe] think that we should delegate our geopolitics to the United States of America, that we should delegate our growth debt to our Chinese clients, that we should delegate our technological innovation to the American hyper-scalers. That's not the best idea."

High-profile European leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, echoed Macron’s sentiments, stressing the importance of Europe assuming more responsibility for its security and defense, alongside maintaining support for Ukraine against Russian aggression.

In Budapest, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó remarked that the outcome of the U.S. election significantly alters the landscape for Europe. "Europe has to reflect. If you ask me the theoretical question whether Europe could replace the U.S. in that matter I would say obviously not," he commented, noting the profound impact of the election results.

While Macron's calls for unity and a stronger Europe were largely well-received, some officials expressed skepticism. "He says unity but it means French unity," commented one EU diplomat, implying that Macron’s vision might be perceived as predominantly serving French interests.

As European leaders navigate this new geopolitical terrain, Macron's emphasis on a more formidable and independent Europe underscores an urgent need for strategic recalibration in the face of evolving global dynamics.