• Macron criticizes the US for "breaking free" from international rules and turning away from allies.
• The comments followed the US capture of Venezuelan President Maduro and discussions about Greenland.
• He emphasized the growing ineffectiveness of multilateral institutions like the UN.

French President Emmanuel Macron delivered a strong critique of the United States during his annual address to ambassadors at the Élysée Palace, stating that the US is “breaking free from international rules” and “gradually turning away” from its allies. This critique comes amidst US actions involving Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, who was captured by US forces, and President Trump's controversial aspirations regarding Greenland, following Trump's comments that raised alarm in Europe about potential military action aimed at the territory, which is controlled by Denmark, according to Le Monde, South China Morning Post, and India Times.

In detailing his concerns, Macron remarked that multilateral institutions are becoming “increasingly ineffective” and that the current global landscape showcases a “temptation to divide up the world” among major powers. He asserted the need for Europe to protect its interests and advocated for a renewed commitment to global governance, particularly through the United Nations, which he claimed is facing challenges due to a lack of support from the US, noted by Macron during the same address, according to Le Monde and South China Morning Post.

Macron's remarks come in a context where Europe is grappling with the implications of US foreign policy. He expressed the need for “consolidation” of European regulatory efforts concerning tech giants while arguing for the preservation of academic independence and the establishment of a controlled information space where algorithmic choices do not dominate discourse. He highlighted the European Union’s efforts through the Digital Markets Act (DMA) and the Digital Services Act (DSA) as necessary measures that require defense against US criticism, according to Le Monde, South China Morning Post, and India Times.