About 50 leaders gathered in the European political community to discuss ‘Trump measures’
Michelle: “You shouldn’t make decisions based on your own… “We must not give up on improving our defense capabilities.”
Macron: “We cannot rely on the U.S. for security…” “Trump puts his own people first.”
About 50 top European leaders, including those from the European Union, gathered in Budapest, the capital of Hungary, and pledged to strengthen themselves. This is because Republican candidate Donald Trump, who leads country-first and isolationist policies, was elected in the U.S. presidential election.
According to foreign media such as AP, dpa, and Guardian, Charles Michel, permanent chairman of the EU Summit, attended the European Political Community (EPC) summit on the 7th (local time) and said, “We will not support U.S. President-elect Trump or (Democratic candidate) Kamala Harris. We must be masters of our destiny, not because of the Vice President, but because of our children. “It is our responsibility to decide not to become dependent.”
He said we need to strengthen the single market and increase our own competitiveness while also improving our defense capabilities. “There is no change in our idea of fighting for our common values and common principles. “It is important not to give up, because strengthening Ukraine means strengthening ourselves,” he said.
French President Emmanuel Macron said, “Our security should not be entrusted to the United States forever,” and “Continent of Europe must decide and control its own history at a critical moment.” Do you want to read history written by others, such as the war started by Russian President Vladimir Putin, the U.S. election, or China’s technology or trade policy choices? Or do we want to write history ourselves?” he asked.
President Macron said, “I think we have the power to write history,” and added, “President-elect Trump was elected by the American people. He will defend American interests. The question is whether we are willing to defend European interests. “That is the only problem and our priority,” he added.
Finnish Prime Minister Petri Orpo said, “We must send a clear message to the United States and the new administration,” adding, “We reaffirm our support for Ukraine for as long as necessary.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said: “We are defending our homeland from attacks, not from Russia’s words. Therefore, we need sufficient weapons, not just (political) support at the conference,” he said. “President Putin is only thinking about war, and that will not change. “Only pressure can limit him,” he emphasized.
“The EU must continue to work to overcome challenges and become more self-reliant on security and economics,” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. “It’s in all of our interests to get the message,” he said.
At the same time, he left the room for cooperation open, saying, “The EU will cooperate with
Mark Rutte, Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), said, “Russia is providing the latest technology in exchange for North Korea’s help in its war with Ukraine. “This poses a threat not only to the European members of NATO, but also to the American homeland,” he said. “I look forward to sitting down with ‘President’ Trump to figure out how we can collectively confront this threat and keep our side of the world safe.” “He gave a friendly hand.
However, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has shown pro-Trump tendencies, said of the U.S. election results, “The camp of people who want peace in Ukraine has increased significantly,” and “This is a new situation.” “Europe must respond by pushing for an early ceasefire,” he said.
President-elect Trump has pledged to end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours, but has also pledged to return to isolationism based on America First.
He evaluates alliances strictly on a profit-and-loss basis. During his tenure, he has advocated ‘free riding’ in major alliances, including NATO, and demanded an increase in contributions, including an increase in defense spending. There is also a history of mentioning withdrawal from NATO membership.
In particular, during this presidential election period, President Putin raised concerns by saying that he would encourage ‘do whatever you want’ if NATO member countries do not spend enough. He has always shown off his closeness with the dictatorial leader.
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Interview between Time.news Editor and European Politics Expert
Editor: Welcome today, Dr. Elena Novak, a leading expert on European political affairs and security strategies. Thank you for joining us.
Dr. Novak: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss these pressing issues.
Editor: Over 50 European leaders recently convened in Budapest to address the implications of Donald Trump’s election as president again. What were the main takeaways from this summit?
Dr. Novak: The summit highlighted a strong consensus among European leaders about the need for self-reliance in security and defense. Figures like Charles Michel emphasized that Europe should not depend on the U.S. for its security. This feeling of urgency is driven by the potential return to America First policies under Trump, which could undermine transatlantic ties.
Editor: Emmanuel Macron made some bold statements, asserting that Europe must take control of its own history. What does he expect from Europe moving forward?
Dr. Novak: Macron’s statements reflect a growing desire among European leaders to assert their independence in decision-making, especially in defense policy. He pointed out that while Trump will focus on American interests, it’s critical for Europe to prioritize its own strategic interests. This signifies a shift towards greater European autonomy, particularly regarding NATO and security arrangements.
Editor: Finnish Prime Minister Petri Orpo, among others, expressed a desire to send a clear message to the U.S. What do you think will be the outcome of this type of communication?
Dr. Novak: The message is clear: Europe is prepared to take a firmer stance on issues like support for Ukraine. This indicates a pivot towards a more assertive foreign policy. Clear communication with the U.S. administration will be crucial in fostering collaboration on mutual interests but also highlights a warning against isolationist tendencies that may jeopardize global stability.
Editor: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky remarked on the need for military support rather than just political backing. How does this relate to the broader European security strategy?
Dr. Novak: Zelensky’s call for substantial military aid underscores the escalating challenges Ukraine faces against Russia. European leaders recognize that supporting Ukraine is not merely a matter of solidarity; it is vital to European security as a whole. Enhancing Ukraine’s defense capabilities directly correlates with deterring future aggression from Russia, making it a central component of a cohesive European defense strategy.
Editor: There’s also mention of Hungary’s Viktor Orban and his pro-Trump leanings. How do his views impact the unity among European leaders?
Dr. Novak: Orban represents a faction in Europe that favors closer ties with Trump and his administration. While his perspective on seeking peace in Ukraine is noted, it contrasts sharply with the more hawkish stance of many other European leaders. This could potentially create rifts within the EU, as differing approaches to security and relations with the U.S. may challenge collective decision-making.
Editor: as we look ahead, what do you think Europe will need to focus on in order to adapt to the political landscape shaped by Trump’s presidency?
Dr. Novak: Europe must enhance its defense capabilities, foster economic resilience, and develop a unified foreign policy that prioritizes its interests. Strengthening ties with Eastern European nations, rethinking dependency on U.S. support for security, and addressing threats from Russia and China will be crucial. Ultimately, the ability to forge a cohesive stance amidst evolving geopolitical realities will define Europe’s future role on the world stage.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Novak, for your insights. It seems a critical moment lies ahead for Europe, and navigating these changes will require strategic foresight and unity.
Dr. Novak: Absolutely. It will be interesting to watch how these dynamics unfold in the coming months. Thank you for the conversation.
Editor: Thank you for joining us today!