Trump’s victory can be described, without exaggeration, as the last year’s remarkable political event. The outcome of the United States presidential election triggered public reaction as it changed drastically the approach to many political and economic issues and became the cause of Europe to unite. Trump’s pledge to shift the government’s focus toward domestic problems is in contrast to the country’s foreign policy which had been pursued for about eighty years.
If these promises are fulfilled, then Europe will experience all the ‘benefits’ of loneliness. According to experts, the European Union has to make a lot of efforts to survive the whole Trump’s presidential term. Trump disregards international partnership agreements and unions which are still valid). It has been proved in many ways. Moreover, Europe cannot afford to develop its own countervailing policy.
Wolfgang Ischinger, former German Ambassador to the United States, Chairman of the Munich Security Conference and Professor for Security Policy and Diplomatic Practice at the Hertie School of Governance in Berlin, says “in the short and medium term, Europeans cannot do without the US security guarantee. As a result, we must work to convince the new administration of the importance of a united and peaceful Europe.”
From his viewpoint, Europe should maintain its economic interests and implement countermeasures, for instance when Trump proposed increasing tariffs on European imports. At the same time, the economy should not be mixed with politics and security issues in the region.
“Instead of waiting in fear of Trump’s next tweet, we Europeans should lay the foundations for a Europe that is strong, capable of taking action, and committed to Western values. From this position, we can assert our key interests vis-à-vis the US with confidence. That is the best response Europe can give,” the expert adds.
