“Donald Trump’s return would be a useful jolt that would allow the European Union to move forward, like the pandemic (COVID-19 – Ed. Post) or the energy crisis due to the war in Ukraine,” an unnamed senior EU diplomat told reporters.
It is noted that this opinion, which was also expressed anonymously by other diplomats and EU officials, is not related to commitment to the Republican candidate or his political ideas.
Politico metaphorically noted that Trump’s second term could be the “bitter medicine” the EU needs to overcome its differences and move forward as a stronger, united bloc.
As many as six EU officials interviewed by journalists expressed their assessment that Trump’s presidency will be so hostile to Europe that the bloc will have no choice but to increase defense spending, strengthen its technology sector and more clearly define its policy towards China.
However, the officials admitted that they painfully remembers Trump’s first term, when he berated leaders, called Brussels a “hellhole” and launched a trade war against the bloc.
According to the publication, the most obvious area where Trump’s presidency could accelerate changes in Europe is Russia’s war against Ukraine.
If the Republican returns to the White House, his administration could increase pressure on Europe for “burden sharing” to a level not seen since NATO was founded in 1949.
“Donald Trump is helping raise awareness about defense funding, but we need a real shake-up to turn this debate into something more.” An agreement on a peace plan for Ukraine would completely change that,” one official said.
On the question of financing arms to Ukraine, although a group of EU countries currently want to jointly borrow money (by issuing “Eurobonds”) to increase the total amount of funds allocated to Kyiv, countries such as Germany and the Netherlands are against it.
Shutterstock/War in Ukraine
According to another Politico source, those pushing for defensive Eurobonds are hoping that a second Trump term in office could activate those countries, much as the pandemic did, and encourage them to agree to joint borrowing. Conversely, a Kamala Harris victory would “give even more ammunition to those who oppose the idea to say that (collective borrowing) is a failure.”
Another area where Europe could make a big push once D. Trump re-enters the White House is the economy.
“On the trade front, Trump’s return could also be a driving force for change, pushing the bloc toward a more protectionist approach that the French have previously advocated,” Politico writes.
Another group of voters quietly supporting the prospect of Trump’s return are those who believe the time has come to challenge China on the international stage.
During Joe Biden’s presidency, Washington’s tone towards Europe was more peaceful and moderate. Secretary of State Antony Blinken 2021 For Europe, speaking about relations with China, he said that the US “will not force its allies to choose ‘us or them’.”
Meanwhile, with Trump back in power, this attitude could change 180 degrees, which would be favorable to those who are already gnashing their teeth at China.
Time to take the reins
However, several European officials expressed their assessment that this time Brussels is better prepared for a possible Trump victory.
in 2016 Trump’s victory and its consequences for transatlantic relations came as a huge surprise to most of the European Union, but now the leaders of the countries think they have a better understanding of what will happen and are preparing for its possible consequences.
ZUMAPRESS.com/Donald Trump
While Trump is unpopular enough in much of Europe and his supporters are losing political points, Politico’s interviewees shared insights that it may indeed be time for Europe to assume its own autonomy and suggested preparing for major changes in EU-US relations regardless of who gets the job. In the Oval Office.
“Europeans must take their destiny into their own hands, regardless of who is elected president of the United States,” political expert and former politician Benjamin Haddad said on French television last week.
Source: www.15min.lt
