Arthur De Laborde, edited by Loane Nader
modified to
1:28 p.m., April 10, 2023
The presidential couple is preparing to return to the Netherlands for two days, after a diplomatic visit to China. This trip marks a rapprochement between the two countries and their desire for energy and industrial sovereignty vis-à-vis world powers. Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron will be welcomed by King Willem-Alexander.
It is the first time that a French president has visited the Netherlands since 2001. Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte are flying to Holland after a presidential trip to China, with the primary aim of encouraging economic and industrial sovereignty of these two countries. The President of the Republic will thus deliver a speech on the common challenges of the countries of the European Union, at the Nexus research institute in The Hague. A massive investment plan in the green industry in Europe, launched by Joe Biden, should also be at the center of the recommendations of the French head of state.
“The 27 have realized that we must act”
However, Emmanuel Macron should most certainly call for a counter-attack in certain strategic sectors, in the face of excessive American and Chinese hegemonies. Six years ago, European sovereignty was already the red thread of his speech at the Sorbonne, in the context of his presidential election, and well before the pandemic and the war in Ukraine. From now on, the feeling of urgency is much more marked among Europeans, as explained by a close friend of the Head of State, for whom “The 27 have realized that we must act”.
For his visit to the Netherlands, Emmanuel Macron will first be received by King Willem-Alexander and his wife Maxima with whom they will share a state dinner on Tuesday evening at the royal castle.