(Dan Tri) – French President Emmanuel Macron criticized the US for selling gas to Europe at much higher prices than the domestic market and profiting greatly from the Russia-Ukraine war.
French President Emmanuel Macron (Photo: Reuters).
Bloomberg reported on October 21 that French President Emmanuel Macron criticized America’s trade and energy policies with partners and allies in Europe, while the continent is suffering from the consequences of the war.
Mr. Macron accused the US of creating a `double standard` by selling gas in the domestic market at low prices, but selling it to Europe at record high prices.
`Plus, they allow state aid of up to 80% for some sectors while that is prohibited here (Europe) – a double standard. That depends on sincerity in operations
According to Bloomberg, Mr. Macron seemed to be referring to the US stimulus package called the Inflation Reduction Act, which provides subsidies for electric cars produced in North America.
On October 21, Mr. Macron called the US and Norway energy producers that create `real super profits` and benefit from the `geopolitical war`.
Previously, in a discussion in parliament, French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire criticized the US selling liquefied natural gas (LNG) to European companies at a price four times higher than the price that this country pays.
Bloomberg cited well-informed sources as saying that French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna will come to Washington to discuss these issues and assess the situation before the US midterm elections.
Earlier this month, German Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Robert Habeck said that the US and some suppliers friendly to Berlin were selling gas at `exorbitantly high` prices, seemingly implying they were benefiting from the war.
He called for more solidarity from the US as it supports energy-pressured allies in Europe.
`The US contacted us when oil prices rose and then oil reserves in many European countries were released. I think that similar solidarity will also help contain gas prices.`
Mr. Habeck also said that the EU should gather its market power and adjust the purchasing behavior of countries in the bloc in a synchronous way so that member countries do not pay higher prices to compete with each other and make money worse.