President Joe Biden welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron at the White House during his official visit to the United States. Biden greeted Macron with military honors in front of his official residence in Washington this morning (local time). After that, discussions were planned and a joint press conference was held.
The main topic is likely to be the controversy over subsidizing US products in the fight against climate change. Before the US parliamentarians yesterday, Macron described the support as “very aggressive” towards French companies. He later warned: “These decisions will divide the West.”
Dispute over a billion US dollar package
The dispute revolves around the multibillion-dollar climate protection and social package passed in the US in August, known as the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The package provides $370 billion (about 357 billion euros) for climate protection and energy security.
Among other things, support for “Made in the USA” electric vehicles, batteries, and renewable energy projects is planned. The support was met with harsh criticism in the European Union. It is feared that European companies may be at a disadvantage.
Macron arrived in the United States on Tuesday evening for a several-day state visit. It is the first official state visit since Biden took office in January 2021. Biden and Macron met for a private dinner last night.
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