The Globalist Macron continues his visit to Asia and champions European 'predictability'
Apr 3, 2026
Zoe Grunewald, Westminster editor at The Lead who tracks UK and US political headlines, reviews newspaper front pages and political shake-ups. She dissects Reform UK controversies and shifts in US administration coverage. Also covers Macron's Asia trip, Europe’s strategic role in East Asia, and global energy shocks in short, punchy conversations.
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Macron Blends Hard Deals With Charm Offensive
- Emmanuel Macron used both hard agreements and soft cultural outreach to strengthen France's ties with Japan and South Korea.
- He signed critical minerals and defence roadmaps, then attended K-pop dinners and a Michelin state meal to build rapport.
Europe Needs One Voice To Be A True Asian Security Partner
- Experts said Europe needs a single, thicker voice to be an effective security partner in Asia rather than relying on individual states.
- Robert E. Kelly argued the US under Trump is unreliable, pushing Asia and Europe toward self-reliant defence and collective middle-power coordination.
Energy Shock Forces Diverse National Responses
- The Iran war's disruption of Middle East oil pushed countries toward emergency measures and renewables reconsideration.
- Europe sees mixed responses: more wind and solar growth but also talk of coal and revived nuclear debates.