Another Trump term could spur Europe’s efforts to stand on its own, but it is far from clear its leaders will seize the moment this time.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.ca/post/32553898

In anticipation of a Trump victory, there have already been efforts to try to ensure continued support for Ukraine, continuity in NATO and to craft a response should Mr. Trump make good on his threat to apply blanket tariffs on goods imported into the United States.

But the Europeans have a long way to go. A second Trump presidency could serve as a catalyst for Europe to fortify itself in the face of a more undependable America. But it is far from clear the continent is prepared to seize that moment.

. . .

“A Trump victory is very painful for Europeans, as it confronts them with a question they’ve tried hard to hide from: ‘How do we deal with a United States that sees us more as a competitor and a nuisance than a friend to work with?’” said Georgina Wright, deputy director for International Studies at the Institut Montaigne in Paris. “It should unite Europe, but that does not mean Europe necessarily will unite.”

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  • @khannieEnglish
    5•6 hours ago

    I’ve been trying to find some inkling of positivity for Europe in the Trump win and us getting up off our collective arses to more quickly ramp production capacity and closely aligning on collective defence is the biggest win I can see coming from it.

    Macron has already come out and said it in as many words.