Macron says Europe must protect sovereignty in face of Trump's return

PARIS, Jan 22 (Reuters) - More than ever, Europeans, including France and Germany, must protect their sovereignty in the face of the return of U.S. President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Wednesday.

He made the remarks at a joint news conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Paris, adding that it was important to support the automobile, steel, chemical sectors, among others.

"After the inauguration of a new administration in the United States, it is necessary more than ever for Europeans and for our two countries to play their role of consolidating a united, strong and sovereign Europe," Macron said.

(Reporting by Sudip Kar-Gupta and Michel Rose; Editing by Makini Brice)

((M.Brice@thomsonreuters.com;))