French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday criticised a framework deal struck between the European Union and the United States on Sunday, saying it showed the bloc had not managed to be "feared" by U.

The reaction has been downbeat across the bloc - though several capitals acknowledged signing an uneven deal was worth it in order to avert an all-out trade war. It will see a 15% tariff on most EU exports to the US - half the rate threatened by Trump - in return for Europe buying more American energy and slashing taxes on some imports.

EU trade agreement implements 15% tariff on European goods as EU leaders reluctantly accept terms, with France calling it "a dark day," while President Donald Trump celebrates the deal in Scotland.

Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy addresses during a High-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution at U.N headquarters in New York City, U.S., July 29, 2025. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz

France is calling on the European Union to pressure Israel to agree to a two-state solution with the Palestinians

France told a UN conference co-chaired with Saudi Arabia on Monday that there is "no alternative" to a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians.