In statements to reporters before their working lunch at the Elysee Palace, both Macron and Scholz insisted that Europe was strong and the Franco-German tandem solid, while expecting difficulties. "President Trump will, that much is already clear, be a challenge," Scholz said. "Our position is clear. Europe is a large economic area with around 450 million citizens. We are strong. We stand together. Europe will not duck and hide." Macron has long pushed for Europe to be more self-reliant.