Biden and Macron did not solve the issue of subsidies
2022.12.01 02:26
Biden and Macron did not solve the issue of subsidies
Budrigannews.com – On Thursday, U.S. President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron will commemorate more than 200 years of U.S.- French relations. However, a dispute over new American subsidies that has enraged Europe is simmering in the background.
During Macron’s first state visit since the beginning of 2021, Biden will be hosting him.With a colorful arrival ceremony planned and 200 live lobsters flown in from Maine for a glittering state dinner, Biden and his wife Jill are playing up the pageantry.
At 11:45 a.m. EST (16:45 GMT), the two leaders will hold talks and then hold a joint news conference.Macron’s second state visit to the United States since taking office in 2017 was on Tuesday when he and his wife, Brigitte, arrived in Washington.
Although Biden, who is 80 years old, and Macron, who is 44 years old, have met frequently at international gatherings, this will be the most time they have spent together.
In a gesture of goodwill, the two leaders dined together on Wednesday at an Italian restaurant called Fiola Mare in the historic Georgetown neighborhood.
Biden’s $430 billion Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which offers massive subsidies for U.S.-made products and aims to address the climate crisis, is expected to raise concerns about subsidies in France and Europe.
As Europe deals with the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February, leaders in Europe claim that the legislative package that Biden signed in August is unfair to businesses outside of the United States and would severely harm their economies.
A participant, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told Reuters that during a meeting with U.S. lawmakers on Wednesday at the Library of Congress, Macron said that the act was “super aggressive” toward European companies.
Macron informed the French community in Washington that the cost of the war in Ukraine was significantly greater in Europe than it was in the United States, and that Europe ran the risk of falling behind if new investments were diverted by subsidies.
This could “piece the West,” he said.
Biden did not appear to be willing to make any concessions.
When asked about European concerns, White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre stated that the legislation “presents significant opportunities for European firms as well as benefits to EU energy security.”
Despite some disagreements with the Biden administration, Macron is the first foreign leader to receive a state dinner at the Biden White House, indicating his significance to Washington.
Jon Batiste’s music, Napa Valley Chardonnay, and cheeses from Oregon, California, and Wisconsin will be served at the formal dinner in a pavilion on the South Lawn of the White House.
The invasion of Ukraine by Russia is probably going to be a big part of the talks. Both leaders have tried to get more people to support the Ukrainian army.
At the same time that NATO ministers met in Bucharest, Macron paid a visit. During that meeting, they promised to give Ukraine more aid to fight Russia’s attacks on its energy infrastructure as winter approaches.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the alliance, of which the United States and France are founding members, was also discussing ways to address challenges posed by China’s military buildup and cooperation with Russia. Macron has previously stated that NATO should not concentrate on China.
