French President Emmanuel Macron Calls for Sanctions, Bans for Companies Undermining European Interests

PARIS (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 05th March, 2019) French President Emmanuel Macron considers it necessary to reform the competition policy and suggests introducing sanctions or banning the work of companies that undermine the strategic interests and values of Europe.

Macron published an address to European citizens ahead of European elections. The address is divided into three chapters entitled "Defend our freedom," "Protect our continent" and "Recover the spirit of progress."

"We need to reform our competition policy and reshape our trade policy with penalties or a ban in Europe on businesses that compromise our strategic interests and fundamental values such as environmental standards, data protection and fair payment of taxes," Macron said.

The French leader also proposed to introduce European preferences in strategic sectors, "as our American and Chinese competitors do."

Trade relations between Brussels and Washington grew tense last year, when the United States introduced tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. The European Union retaliated by levying tariffs on over $3.2 billion worth of US imports. Both sides also threatened to impose reciprocal tariffs on cars, agricultural and high-tech goods.