{"id":293849,"date":"2026-01-20T11:31:06","date_gmt":"2026-01-20T11:31:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/293849\/"},"modified":"2026-01-20T11:31:06","modified_gmt":"2026-01-20T11:31:06","slug":"macron-invites-trump-to-paris-for-talks-in-text-exchange-the-irish-times","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/293849\/","title":{"rendered":"Macron invites Trump to Paris for talks in text exchange \u2013 The Irish Times"},"content":{"rendered":"

Key Reads<\/p>\n

Sarah Burns – 50 minutes ago<\/p>\n

Stock markets have weakened in response to Trump\u2019s threats on Greenland and fears of a trade war, writes Cliff Taylor. <\/p>\n

So far, moves have been limited enough, except for the continued rise in the price of gold, now up 8 per cent since the start of the year to new record highs and a hefty 70 per cent higher since Trump took office. <\/p>\n

In times of uncertainty, gold tends to win out. Today, share prices are weaker again in Europe, though many investors are taking a wait-and-see approach. <\/p>\n

A key thing to watch is whether there is a drift away from US assets. Weakness in the price of the dollar and US government bonds have been evident in recent days. Trump\u2019s unpredictable policies may lead investors to diversify away from US investments. And his drive to take more control of the US Federal Reserve Board \u2013 and thus US interest rates \u2013 will worry those investing in US assets, who will fear higher inflation and dollar weakness. <\/p>\n

This is the key trend to watch in the days ahead. Talk that Europe could in some way increase pressure on Trump by selling down US assets \u2013 and particularly government bonds \u2013 seem far-fetched, given that most of these are held by the private sector. But a drift away from US assets by big investors is conceivable \u2013 as is some wider upheaval in the markets as this plays out. <\/p>\n

Sarah Burns – 57 minutes ago<\/p>\n

Threat of tariffs would rip up EU-US trade deal struck last year, says Helen McEntee<\/p>\n

Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee has said Donald Trump\u2019s threat of tariffs on eight EU countries was \u201cdeeply regrettable\u201d and would \u201crip up\u201d an EU-US trade deal struck last year.<\/p>\n

McEntee said that it was clear support for Greenland and Denmark was \u201cabsolute\u201d.<\/p>\n

She said if the threatened tariffs are introduced, \u20ac93 billion worth of counter tariffs would be \u201cback on the table\u201d as the EU needed to \u201crespond strongly\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s really important is that, first and foremost, we engage in dialogue with the US, and that will intensify our efforts over the next number of days,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut it is also important to have a number of possible options to respond should these threats actually come to the fore in the next two weeks. Of course, a threat of tariffs on eight member states is essentially a threat of tariffs on all member states and it would be hugely regrettable for last year\u2019s deal between the US and the EU to essentially be ripped up.\u201d<\/p>\n

McEntee added:\u201cIt is really apparent that the president is trying to use tariffs to change that approach but that\u2019s not something that\u2026 [will change] the overall resolve of Europe in support for Greenland. It is utterly regrettable that a president of the US would say that they\u2019re not focused on peace, but we need to engage, we need to use our voice, as we always have in Ireland, to try and bring reason and to try and bring calm to the current situation.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"MinisterMinister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee said Donald Trump\u2019s threat of tariffs on eight EU countries was ‘deeply regrettable’ and would ‘rip up’ an EU-US trade deal struck last year. Photograph: Brian Lawless\/PA Wire Ursula von der Leyen makes case for Europe\u2019s \u2018independence\u2019 at Davos <\/p>\n

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen has called for Europe to assert its independence, in response to the \u201cseismic\u201d changes to the global order taking place, writes Europe correspondent Jack Power. <\/p>\n

The EU\u2019s response to Trump\u2019s recent threats would be \u201cunflinching, united and proportional\u201d, the head of the union\u2019s powerful executive body said. <\/p>\n

In a closely watched speech at Davos, von der Leyen said the sovereignty of Greenland and Denmark was \u201cnon-negotiable\u201d. <\/p>\n

Plunging Europe and the US into a \u201cdangerous downward spiral\u201d would only help the adversaries of both traditionally close allies, the German politician said. <\/p>\n

Trump\u2019s proposed new tariffs on European countries of 10 per cent, rising to 25 per cent, until Greenland was \u2018sold\u2019 to America, were a \u201cmistake\u201d, von der Leyen said. <\/p>\n

The new tariffs would rip up a deal struck last July, where EU states reluctantly agreed to stomach 15 per cent import duties on future US trade. \u201cIn politics as in business, a deal is a deal and when friends shake hands, it must mean something,\u201d von der Leyen said, a thinly veiled criticism of Trump\u2019s latest threats. <\/p>\n

\u201cEurope must speed up its push for independence \u2013 from security to economy, from defence to democracy. The point is that the world has changed permanently. We need to change with it,\u201d von der Leyen said. <\/p>\n

Recent agreement on the EU-Mercosur deal shows the 27-state union was choosing \u201cfair trade over tariffs\u201d, she said. Commission negotiators were working to finalise another major trade deal with India, which von der Leyen said had been described as \u201cthe mother of all deals\u201d. <\/p>\n

\"EuropeanEuropean Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivers a speech during the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos on Tuesday. Photograph: Fabrice Coffrini\/AFP via Getty Images <\/p>\n

Donald Trump has also lashed out at British prime minister Keir Starmer over the \u201cact of great stupidity\u201d in giving up sovereignty over the Chagos Islands, which include the UK-US military base on Diego Garcia.<\/p>\n

The US president said handing the British Indian Ocean Territory to Mauritius was a sign of \u201ctotal weakness\u201d by the UK.<\/p>\n

The UK government has agreed to hand over the islands but will pay billions of pounds to lease back the strategically important Diego Garcia base.<\/p>\n

Ministers have claimed the deal is necessary because international court rulings in favour of Mauritian claims to sovereignty had threatened the future of the base.<\/p>\n

In the attack on his Truth Social platform, Mr Trump said: \u201cShockingly, our \u2018brilliant\u2019 NATO Ally, the United Kingdom, is currently planning to give away the Island of Diego Garcia, the site of a vital U.S. Military Base, to Mauritius, and to do so FOR NO REASON WHATSOEVER.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere is no doubt that China and Russia have noticed this act of total weakness.\u201d<\/p>\n

He highlighted the decision as a reason for his continued pursuit of Greenland, which is a semi-autonomous part of the Kingdom of Denmark.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe UK giving away extremely important land is an act of GREAT STUPIDITY, and is another in a very long line of National Security reasons why Greenland has to be acquired.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sarah Burns – 2 hours ago<\/p>\n

Situation has potential to cause a \u2018spiral of destabilising actions that could have dire consequences\u2019, says Simon Harris <\/p>\n

T\u00e1naiste Simon Harris has said it is important that \u201cintensive diplomatic efforts\u201d happen to try and de-escalate an \u201cextraordinarily dangerous economic situation\u201d. <\/p>\n

Speaking on his way into the Economic and Financial Affairs Council in Brussels on Tuesday, the finance minister said when it comes to the EU-US relationship, \u201cthere is not an hour to spare\u201d. <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s absolutely important that intensive diplomatic efforts are put under way to try and de-escalate an extraordinarily dangerous economic situation,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n

\u201cWe all know that tariffs are bad for the Irish economy. They\u2019re bad for the European economy. They\u2019re bad for the US economy as well. But this is now deeper than that, also. <\/p>\n

\u201cThis has the potential to cause a spiral of destabilising actions that could have dire consequences. <\/p>\n

\u201cSo cool heads must prevail, and there is not a moment to lose and the next number of days will be crucial as Europe works to try and stabilise this situation and find a way forward. <\/p>\n

\u201cBecause we are always stronger the EU and the US when we co-operate, when we collaborate.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"CypriotCypriot finance minister Makis Keravnos Sarmento and Simon Harris during the Economic and Financial Affairs Council meeting in Brussels. Photograph: EPA <\/p>\n

Sarah Burns – 2 hours ago<\/p>\n

US president Donald Trump posted this on his Truth Social social media page earlier this morning.<\/p>\n

\"DonaldDonald Trump post on Truth Social on January 20th. Image: Truth Social <\/p>\n

Sarah Burns – 3 hours ago<\/p>\n

Macron invites Trump to Paris for talks, texts show<\/p>\n

French president Emmanuel Macron is seeking to arrange an emergency G7 meeting in Paris, involving Trump, a private message between the two leaders shows, Europe correspondent Jack Power writes.<\/p>\n

In a text message to Mr Trump, Mr Macron said:<\/p>\n

\u201cI do not understand what you are doing on Greenland\u201d.<\/p>\n

Mr Macron offered to arrange a meeting of G7 powers, which includes the US, in Paris on Thursday, followed by a dinner between the French and US leaders. <\/p>\n

\u201cLet us have a dinner together in Paris together on Thursday before you go back to the us,\u201d he wrote. <\/p>\n

A screenshot of the full message was posted on Truth Social by Mr Trump this morning. A source in the \u00c9lys\u00e9e confirmed to The Irish Times that the text was genuine. <\/p>\n

\u201cWe are totally in line on Syria. We can do great things on Iran. I do not understand what you are doing on Greenland. Let us try to build great things,\u201d it said.<\/p>\n

Mr Macron proposed inviting the Ukrainians, Danish, new Syrian government, and Russia to Paris for the talks on the margins of the proposed meeting.<\/p>\n

The texts give a glimpse into European leaders\u2019 efforts to engage Mr Trump, in a bid to encourage him to walk back his demands to buy or seize Greenland and hit European allies with more trade tariffs. <\/p>\n

\"FrenchFrench president Emmanuel Macron speaks as he leads a meeting on New-Caledonia at the \u00c9lys\u00e9e Palace in Paris on Monday. Photograph: Stephane de Sakutin, AFP via Getty Images <\/p>\n

Sarah Burns – 3 hours ago<\/p>\n

The Maga faith has not been shaken through what has been a disorienting year, Washington correspondent Keith Duggan writes. <\/p>\n

Trump has, at 79, transformed the White House into a volatile and unknowable force of change and whimsy.<\/p>\n

Read his full piece here<\/a>. <\/p>\n

Sarah Burns – 3 hours ago<\/p>\n

European leaders are hoping to prevent a trade war breaking out with the United States over Greenland, but are preparing contingency plans to push back on Donald Trump\u2019s \u201cblackmail\u201d attempts, should high-stakes attempts to defuse tensions this week fail.<\/p>\n

Efforts to engage the White House are being stepped up and several EU leaders are expected to discuss the crisis in transatlantic relations with Mr Trump in Davos this week on the margins of the World Economic Forum.<\/p>\n

It is understood top officials close to European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen have been in contact with senior figures in the Trump administration, including Jared Kushner, to sound out the US president\u2019s intentions.<\/p>\n

Read our lead story this morning here<\/a>. <\/p>\n

Sarah Burns – 3 hours ago<\/p>\n

Fianna F\u00e1il MEP Barry Cowen has said Donald Trump, JD Vance and \u201cradical\u201d elements of their administration \u201cdo not speak for the American people\u201d, Europe correspondent Jack Power writes. <\/p>\n

In a speech to the European Parliament last night, the former agriculture minister said the US was breaking away from an international order it had helped to build and defend for decades. <\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t help but wonder, where are the voices in the US Congress who not so long ago stood for partnership and international law? Their silence is being heard across Europe,\u201d he told MEPs. <\/p>\n

\u201cAll in all, this is not simply a trade dispute. It is a test. A test of whether law still matters, whether alliances still matter and whether Europe is prepared to defend them,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\"FiannaFianna F\u00e1il MEP Barry Cowen has said Donald Trump, JD Vance and ‘radical’ elements of their administration ‘do not speak for the American people’. Photograph: Alan Betson\/The Irish Times <\/p>\n

Sarah Burns – 3 hours ago<\/p>\n

Good morning. US president Donald Trump has said he will impose a 200 per cent tariff on French wines and champagnes, a move he claimed would push French president Emmanuel Macron to join Trump\u2019s Board of Peace initiative aimed at resolving global conflicts.<\/p>\n

When asked by a reporter about Mr Macron saying he will not join the board, Trump said: \u201cDid he say that? Well, nobody wants him because he will be out of office very soon.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll put a 200 per cent tariff on his wines and champagnes, and he\u2019ll join, but he doesn\u2019t have to join,\u201d Mr Trump said.<\/p>\n

Mr Trump \u2060originally proposed establishing the board of peace when he announced last September his plan to \u2060end the war in Gaza. However an invitation sent to world leaders last week outlines a broad role ending conflicts \u2060globally.<\/p>\n

Mr Trump has also said that he thought European leaders would not \u201cpush back too much\u201d on his attempt to buy Greenland.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think they\u2019re gonna push back too much. We have to have it. They have to have this done,\u201d he told reporters on Monday. <\/p>\n

The \u2060US president has said that he had a \u201cvery good\u201d telephone call with Nato secretary general Mark Rutte concerning Greenland.<\/p>\n

Mr Trump also said he had agreed to a meeting of various parties at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.<\/p>\n

Follow irishtimes.com for updates throughout the day. <\/p>\n

\"USUS president Donald Trump speaks with reporters before boarding Air Force One at Palm Beach International Airport in Florida on Monday. Photograph: Andrew Caballero-Reynolds\/AFP via Getty Images <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Key Reads Sarah Burns – 50 minutes ago Stock markets have weakened in response to Trump\u2019s threats on…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":293850,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[9,10,382,356,18,4893,13,14,17768,6,19,17,11,12,15,16,5,7,8,107],"class_list":{"0":"post-293849","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-headlines","8":"tag-breaking-news","9":"tag-breakingnews","10":"tag-denmark","11":"tag-donald-trump","12":"tag-eire","13":"tag-eu","14":"tag-featured-news","15":"tag-featurednews","16":"tag-greenland","17":"tag-headlines","18":"tag-ie","19":"tag-ireland","20":"tag-latest-news","21":"tag-latestnews","22":"tag-main-news","23":"tag-mainnews","24":"tag-news","25":"tag-top-stories","26":"tag-topstories","27":"tag-us"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@ie\/115927206294880103","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/293849","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=293849"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/293849\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/293850"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=293849"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=293849"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=293849"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}