How Macron’s Domestic Woes Transformed Him from EU Visionary to Obstacle

French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Brussels for a pivotal European Council meeting with a significantly altered reputation among EU leaders. Once known as the continent’s “idea man,” he is now increasingly perceived as an obstacle to progress, a shift attributed to his domestic political challenges and a heightened focus on his legacy. This change comes as EU leaders grapple with pressing issues, including combating the rise of the far right and preventing a potentially detrimental Trump-Putin deal on Ukraine.

Macron’s Shifting Stance on EU Initiatives

This new cautious approach has seen President Macron balk at several key European initiatives. He has dismissed Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s proposed “drone wall” for European skies as unrealistic. Similarly, he has rejected European Council President António Costa’s suggestion to streamline the EU accession process by removing the unanimity requirement, with France unwilling to relinquish its veto power.

Beyond security and enlargement, President Macron has also shown hesitation on environmental and human rights proposals. He has stalled the due diligence directive, which mandates companies to monitor global suppliers for abuses, and has been reluctant to commit to ambitious 2040 climate targets. Instead, France has focused its efforts on reducing red tape, advocating for stricter migration controls, and pushing for new regulations on children’s social media use.

Anonymous conversations with ten EU diplomats and officials reveal a consensus that President Macron’s domestic struggles have consumed him, diminishing his role as a “European champion.” They suggest his current approach is driven by a desire to avoid proposals that could provoke a backlash in France, particularly from Euroskeptics and Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally.

From Visionary to Obstacle

President Macron’s current stance marks a notable departure from his earlier tenure, during which he was a driving force behind European integration and strategic autonomy. In 2017, speaking at the Sorbonne University, he passionately advocated for a more robust Europe, less reliant on external partners for goods or defense. His vision, initially met with skepticism, is now widely embraced by the European Commission and leaders across the bloc, particularly in response to Russian aggression and shifts in American foreign policy.

During his early years, President Macron earned the moniker “think-tanker in chief” due to his numerous initiatives and reform ideas for Europe. However, this proactive approach has reportedly waned as political considerations and his legacy increasingly influence his decisions. This shift is particularly evident in his position on EU enlargement.

While President Macron previously championed bringing new members into the EU, even spearheading the European Political Community as a precursor, France’s opposition to lifting the veto power in accession talks has caused confusion among allies. A heavyweight from his Renew group in the European Parliament described the move as a “fundamental error” and “in total contradiction” with his prior commitments. Macron’s allies explain that he currently lacks the political capital to back ambitious proposals that might be exploited by far-right opposition figures like Marine Le Pen.

Impact of Domestic Instability

France’s domestic political instability has further contributed to President Macron’s declining influence in Brussels. The country has seen five prime ministers in less than two years, with constant governmental reshuffles hindering consistent engagement at the EU level. This churn makes it challenging for French ministers to maintain continuity in meetings and for the government to effectively craft and circulate crucial policy papers that shape the EU agenda.

An EU diplomat from outside France noted that a “non-functioning government for one-and-a-half years” inevitably reduces a nation’s influence on European decisions. As President Macron approaches the end of his second and final term in 2027, some diplomats are already discussing his “legacy,” suggesting a perception that his grand pro-European project is nearing its conclusion, regardless of future political maneuvers.