"Europe must not be a prey among predators," stated Macron.

The comments from the President of France emerged the day after Trump's election as President of the United States, which, as noted in the publication, raised concerns about whether he would reduce the level of U.S. involvement in NATO, potentially forcing Europe to significantly increase its defense spending.

"I think simply. The world consists of herbivores and predators. If we decide to remain herbivores, then the predators will win, and we will become a marketplace for them," Macron addressed European leaders at the summit in Budapest.

Macron is recognized in Europe as the most prominent advocate for the EU countries' aspirations for independence from both China and the United States. This stance from the French president encompasses "everything," from defense and security to high technology, according to Politico.

In the opinion of the French president, European nations should become, at the very least, omnivorous. "I do not want to be aggressive, but we know how to defend ourselves on all these issues," Macron stated.

One diplomat in Budapest remarked regarding Macron that Trump's reelection could give new meaning to Macron's ideas about greater independence for the European Union, particularly in the areas of trade and security. This diplomat, like other sources quoted by Politico, preferred to remain anonymous.