The key facts

  • Macron: the US-Russia diesel deal will not lower global prices and 'sends a negative signal'
  • Trump lifted sanctions on Russian diesel last week: Russia will supply over 300,000 tonnes (2.25 million barrels) to US and global markets
  • Macron called for progress on the EU budget's own resources and expressed solidarity with Spain over Ceuta

Criticism of the diesel deal

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday after a European Council meeting that supplies of Russian diesel to the US 'send a negative signal' and will not affect global prices. According to him, volumes of diesel from Russia already exist, are purchased by countries and are present on the global market, so 'it is not true that they will solve the problem of the world market.' He added that, in his view, this will have no influence on President Trump. Macron called the decision 'inappropriate and ineffective,' an element of 'division or doubt,' and promised to continue a good-faith dialogue with the US to explain the figures and seek effective measures to lower energy prices. 'We all agree on one thing: prices for diesel, gasoline and gas must come down, but this is exactly what will not bring them down. It is not the right answer,' he said.

Context of Trump's decision

Last week, Trump, in an attempt to lower prices, lifted sanctions on Russian diesel exports and stated that Russia would immediately supply more than 300,000 metric tonnes (2.25 million barrels) of diesel to US and global markets. He also announced a halt to strikes on energy infrastructure between Russia and Ukraine.

Protests in France

Macron called for calm and respect amid student protests in France, reaffirming his support for the government and security forces. He recalled that the right to demonstrate is constitutional and fully respected, but it comes with a duty of respect — for people and property, without insults and vandalism.

EU budget and competitiveness fund

Macron urged progress on the question of new sources of revenue for the EU budget, warning against further cuts to the proposed European Competitiveness Fund. 'Our message was this: stop making new proposals that lead to cuts. Now we must talk about own resources,' he said. According to him, proposals to cut the fund would reduce the new package by 30 billion euros (about 34.8 billion dollars). He noted that many cuts have already been made, and the negotiating package has significantly reduced the Commission's flexibility and damaged the competitiveness fund. Macron expressed hope that an agreement will be reached by the end of the year.

Solidarity with Spain over Ceuta

Macron also expressed France's solidarity with Spain regarding the situation in Ceuta, where thousands of migrants crossed the border from Morocco, describing the events as 'undoubtedly an external and multiple attack.' He stressed the need for European solidarity and expressed surprise that some European countries did not support Spain, although they themselves had received solidarity in similar situations.