According to European Council President Charles Michel, EU leaders are becoming increasingly favourable toward France’s position for “strategic autonomy” away from the United States.

Despite controversy over French President Macron’s comments that Europe should resist pressure to become “America’s followers,” Michel inferred that such a position was not isolated among other leaders. While Macron spoke as the French president, his views are growing among EU leaders, Michel said.

“There has been a leap forward on strategic autonomy compared to several years ago,” Michel said during an interview on La Faute à l’Europe.

“On the issue of the relationship with the United States, it’s clear that there can be nuances and sensitivities around the table of the European Council.  Some European leaders wouldn’t say things the same way that Emmanuel Macron did … I think quite a few really think like Emmanuel Macron.”

Macron also said to the French newspaper Les Echos that Europe had to limit its dependency on the United States and avoid getting pulled into a “crises that are not ours.”

“There is indeed a great attachment that remains present — and Emmanuel Macron has said nothing else — for this alliance with the United States. But if this alliance with the United States would suppose that we blindly, systematically follow the position of the United States on all issues, no,” Michel said.