French president Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron disembark from their plane upon arrival at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on 29 November 2022
(AFP via Getty Images)
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French president Emmanuel Macron is expected to confront his host Joe Biden over the impact of new American subsidies on European markets during his state visit to the US today.
Yesterday, Mr Macron described the Inflation Reduction Act as “super aggressive” toward European companies, in a meeting with American lawmakers at the Library of Congress, one participant told Reuters on condition of anonymity.
European leaders have complained about the legislative package, signed by Mr Biden in August, that offers massive subsidies for US-made products. They say it unfairly disadvantages non-American companies and harms their economies as Europe deals with the fallout from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the legislation “presents significant opportunities for European firms as well as benefits to EU energy security,” when asked about European concerns.
Mr Macron arrived in Washington on Tuesday for his second state visit to the country since taking office in 2017. He kickstarted his three-day trip with a visit to the Nasa headquarters with vice president Kamala Harris.
US defends Inflation Reduction Act amid Macron criticism
The White House yesterday defended the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), amid considerable pushback from French president Emmanuel Macron during his visit.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the legislation “presents significant opportunities for European firms as well as benefits to EU energy security,” when asked about European concerns.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre speaks during the daily briefing in the Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on 30 November 2022
(AFP via Getty Images)
The IRA has provisions that will contribute to the growth of the clean energy sector globally, she added.
Macron confronts US lawmakers over 'super aggressive' Inflation Reduction Act
French president Emmanuel Macron addressed US lawmakers from both political parties on Wednesday and pushed back over new American subsidies that are riling European leaders, according to a participant in a closed-door meeting.
Mr Macron arrived in Washington on Tuesday for his second state visit to the United States since taking office in 2017, ahead of which French officials said he would confront president Joe Biden over the subsidies contained in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
French president Emmanuel Macron speaks during a working lunch on climate and biodiversity issues with US Climate Envoy John Kerry, members of the United States Congress, and key US stakeholders on climate, at the Library of Congress in Washington, DC, on 30 November 2022
(AFP via Getty Images)
In a meeting with US lawmakers at the Library of Congress, Mr Macron said the Inflation Reduction Act was “super aggressive” toward European companies, one participant told Reuters. The participant requested anonymity to discuss a private part of the meeting.
Mr Macron’s office declined to confirm the comment, which was first reported by Agence France-Presse.
European leaders have complained about the legislative package, signed by Mr Biden in August, that offers massive subsidies for US-made products, which they say unfairly disadvantages non-American companies and deals a serious blow to their economies as Europe deals with the fallout from Russia’s February invasion of Ukraine.
Welcome to The Independent’s blog on French president Emmanuel Macron‘s three-day trip to Washington, where we provide the latest on the diplomatic negotiation between the two countries, their outcome and impact on the EU and the world.
