According to reports in the French media, it seemed that Macron was advocating for a moratorium on new climate laws or a halt on laws for nature restoration and against chemical agents in agriculture.
This reporting led to outrage among environmental activists and green politicians, who feared that the French president wanted to reduce efforts in environmental protection. However, a spokesperson for the presidential palace emphasized to Le Monde that Macron did not mean to stop current laws. Instead, he stressed that EU countries are already far ahead with their existing environmental laws compared to the United States.
Macron’s plea for a pause in introducing even more EU environmental laws is meant as a strategy to stimulate European industry and to strengthen its competitive position relative to the United States.
According to Macron, EU countries should now focus more on strengthening European industry and creating jobs, without the need for new environmental regulations.
Macron’s speech has sparked a debate about the right balance between environmental protection and economic growth. Some accuse him of underestimating the urgency of climate change and putting environmental protection second.
Others see his plea as a strategy to support European industry and prevent it from being disadvantaged by stricter rules compared to other economic powers.
Reactions to Macron’s speech remain divided. Environmental activists urge more ambition in environmental protection and argue that current laws do not go far enough. On the other hand, some French companies and industries welcome Macron’s call, believing it can strengthen Europe’s competitive position.
French politicians have also labeled Macron’s speech on European industrial policy as a distraction tactic to divert attention from his heavily criticized laws on raising the retirement age.
It is clear, however, that Macron’s speech has led to misinterpretations and opened a debate about the EU’s direction on environmental protection in relation to industrial development.