During the pair̵7;s bilateral meeting later on Thursday, Macron is expected to press Biden on the economic effects of the now 10-month-long war in Ukraine – which has not only battered the global economy but also fueled an energy crisis in Europe Is. The French President and several other European leaders have recently shown some resistance to the expansion of the war and its inevitable economic toll on the continent.
Macron has openly accused the US of using protectionist policies, with trade issues expected to be a main topic of his and Biden’s bilateral meeting. The French president has taken a particularly hard line against tax incentives for clean energy included in the Inflation Reduction Act – a move that European leaders fear will cause sectors of their own economies to shift operations to the United States. Could
But during Thursday morning’s ceremony, both Biden and Macron largely expressed a united partnership between the two countries and a dedication to working together to address global issues such as world hunger and climate change.
“It is our common destiny to respond together to those challenges, true to our history… committed to creating hope,” Macron said. “Long live the friendship between the United States and France.”
After a fanfare-filled reception, Biden and Macron entered the White House for their bilateral meeting in the Oval Office. The two will host a press conference later in the morning, and Biden will host Macron for a state dinner on Thursday evening.