If it is true that the US wants to destroy the European Union, then the European Union must do everything in its power to destroy the US first. Bring the US to its knees! Be ruthless! Don’t pussy around! Act! By the way, it's beginning to look like Iran after the Revolution had the right idea after all! — © Mark Alexander
Showing posts with label European Union. Show all posts
Showing posts with label European Union. Show all posts
Monday, January 19, 2026
Trump’s Next Greenland Move Will ‘Blow the GOP to Bits’ | Scott Lucas
If it is true that the US wants to destroy the European Union, then the European Union must do everything in its power to destroy the US first. Bring the US to its knees! Be ruthless! Don’t pussy around! Act! By the way, it's beginning to look like Iran after the Revolution had the right idea after all! — © Mark Alexander
Put European and Canadian Troops in Greenland to Deter US | Richard Shirreff
Jan 19, 2026 | "It's absolutely the future of NATO.”
Former NATO Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe General Sir Richard Shirreff tells Times Radio Europe and Canada should "call the bluff" and put troops into Greenland to deter "any aggression, whether Russian, Chinese, or indeed, American".
Former NATO Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe General Sir Richard Shirreff tells Times Radio Europe and Canada should "call the bluff" and put troops into Greenland to deter "any aggression, whether Russian, Chinese, or indeed, American".
EU Can Weaponise Tech and Energy to 'Damage' America in Tariff Backlash | Oliver Moody
Jan 19, 2026 | “Europe can do a lot of damage to America, particularly in terms of financial services, tech, energy, arms exports.”
The question Europe will have to answer is how much hurt are they willing to shoulder in an attempt to deter Trump from further Greenland action, says The Times’s Oliver Moody.
The question Europe will have to answer is how much hurt are they willing to shoulder in an attempt to deter Trump from further Greenland action, says The Times’s Oliver Moody.
Sunday, January 18, 2026
After Trump Reignites a Trade War Over Greenland, Europe Weighs Going All-Out
THE NEW YORK TIMES: Europe’s dependence on the United States for NATO security limits its options. Its strongest response could be retaliating with its own trade “bazooka.”
In a single post on Saturday night, President Trump upended months of progress on trade negotiations with an ultimatum that puts Europe on a crash course with the United States — long its closest ally and suddenly one of its biggest threats.
In the Truth Social post, Mr. Trump demanded a deal to buy Greenland, saying that otherwise he would slap tariffs on a group of European nations, first 10 percent in February, then 25 percent in June.
It appeared to leave little room for Europe to maneuver or negotiate in a harsh and combative era of geopolitics. It also left Europe with few options to counter Mr. Trump without repercussions.
European leaders are loath to accept the forced takeover of an autonomous territory that is controlled by Denmark, a member of both NATO and the European Union.
Officials and outside analysts increasingly argue that Europe will need to respond to Mr. Trump with force — namely by hitting back on trade. But doing so could come at a heavy cost to both the bloc’s economy and its security, since Europe remains heavily reliant on the United States for support through NATO and in Russia’s war with Ukraine.
“We either fight a trade war, or we’re in a real war,” said Jacob Funk Kirkegaard, a senior fellow at Bruegel, a research institute in Brussels. » | Jeanna Smialek | Reporting from Brussels | Sunday, January 18, 2026
Under absolutely NO CIRCUMSTANCES must we Europeans allow Donald Trump to annex Greenland, either forcefully or through commercial means. We Europeans must do WHATEVER IT TAKES, HOWEVER PAINFUL THE CONSEQUENCES, to retain Greenland in Denmark’s jurisdiction. Greenlanders do not want to be Americans, and their wishes must be respected, come what may. — © Mark Alexander
In a single post on Saturday night, President Trump upended months of progress on trade negotiations with an ultimatum that puts Europe on a crash course with the United States — long its closest ally and suddenly one of its biggest threats.
In the Truth Social post, Mr. Trump demanded a deal to buy Greenland, saying that otherwise he would slap tariffs on a group of European nations, first 10 percent in February, then 25 percent in June.
It appeared to leave little room for Europe to maneuver or negotiate in a harsh and combative era of geopolitics. It also left Europe with few options to counter Mr. Trump without repercussions.
European leaders are loath to accept the forced takeover of an autonomous territory that is controlled by Denmark, a member of both NATO and the European Union.
Officials and outside analysts increasingly argue that Europe will need to respond to Mr. Trump with force — namely by hitting back on trade. But doing so could come at a heavy cost to both the bloc’s economy and its security, since Europe remains heavily reliant on the United States for support through NATO and in Russia’s war with Ukraine.
“We either fight a trade war, or we’re in a real war,” said Jacob Funk Kirkegaard, a senior fellow at Bruegel, a research institute in Brussels. » | Jeanna Smialek | Reporting from Brussels | Sunday, January 18, 2026
Under absolutely NO CIRCUMSTANCES must we Europeans allow Donald Trump to annex Greenland, either forcefully or through commercial means. We Europeans must do WHATEVER IT TAKES, HOWEVER PAINFUL THE CONSEQUENCES, to retain Greenland in Denmark’s jurisdiction. Greenlanders do not want to be Americans, and their wishes must be respected, come what may. — © Mark Alexander
EU Trade Chief: EU-South America Trade Pact Will Help 'Offset' Impact of US Tariffs | DW News
Jan 18, 2026 | The EU's trade chief says the bloc's new deal with South America’s Mercosur states will help "offset the negative consequences from the increased tariffs imposed by the United States."
Maros Sefcovic spoke to DW in Paraguay after signing the EU’s biggest ever trade deal, which officials hailed as a geopolitical milestone. But the ceremony was overshadowed by threats from US President Donald Trump to slap new tariffs on several European countries opposing his push to acquire Greenland.
Sefcovic said EU leaders were consulting on a joint response. "First and foremost, we again stayed very, very, clear on our principles for us, territorial sovereignty, integrity and international law are absolutely key principles," Sefcovic said, warning fresh US tariffs could trigger a "very dangerous downward spiral."
Sefcovic told DW formally approving an EU-US trade deal struck last year will be "very complicated" after Trump's latest announcements.
Maros Sefcovic spoke to DW in Paraguay after signing the EU’s biggest ever trade deal, which officials hailed as a geopolitical milestone. But the ceremony was overshadowed by threats from US President Donald Trump to slap new tariffs on several European countries opposing his push to acquire Greenland.
Sefcovic said EU leaders were consulting on a joint response. "First and foremost, we again stayed very, very, clear on our principles for us, territorial sovereignty, integrity and international law are absolutely key principles," Sefcovic said, warning fresh US tariffs could trigger a "very dangerous downward spiral."
Sefcovic told DW formally approving an EU-US trade deal struck last year will be "very complicated" after Trump's latest announcements.
Danes, Greenlanders Protest Trump Plan as EU Leaders Show Outrage over Tariff Threat | DW News
Jan 18, 2026 | US President Donald Trump has threatened to raise tariffs on eight European countries until they allow the US to BUY Greenland.
Trump posted on Truth Social that "starting on February 1st, all of the above-mentioned countries (Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, The United Kingdom, The Netherlands, and Finland), will be charged a 10% Tariff on any and all goods sent to the United States of America."
European leaders have warned against what they call a dangerous downward spiral if the levies are implemented, with the EU's foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas replying in a post, "China and Russia must be having a field day. They are the ones who benefit from divisions among allies.
If Greenland’s security is at risk, we can address this inside NATO. Tariffs risk making Europe and the United States poorer and undermine our shared prosperity." Meanwhile, thousands of people took to the streets in the Greenlandic and Danish capitals on Saturday against Trump's bid to take over the island.
Trump posted on Truth Social that "starting on February 1st, all of the above-mentioned countries (Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, The United Kingdom, The Netherlands, and Finland), will be charged a 10% Tariff on any and all goods sent to the United States of America."
European leaders have warned against what they call a dangerous downward spiral if the levies are implemented, with the EU's foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas replying in a post, "China and Russia must be having a field day. They are the ones who benefit from divisions among allies.
If Greenland’s security is at risk, we can address this inside NATO. Tariffs risk making Europe and the United States poorer and undermine our shared prosperity." Meanwhile, thousands of people took to the streets in the Greenlandic and Danish capitals on Saturday against Trump's bid to take over the island.
Macron: ‘No Amount of Intimidation’ Will Change EU Nations’ Course on Greenland
THE GUARDIAN: French president calls tariff threats ‘unacceptable’, while Sweden’s Ulf Kristersson warns EU will not be ‘blackmailed’ by US
Emmanuel Macron has hit back at Donald Trump’s latest threats to impose tariffs on any country opposing his Greenland takeover, warning that “no amount of intimidation” will persuade European nations to change their course on Greenland.
The US president on Saturday announced 10% tariffs on eight European countries from 1 February, with a further 25% tariff from 1 June.
Macron’s message was echoed by the Swedish prime minister, Ulf Kristersson, who warned the EU would not be “blackmailed” by Trump, and the Norwegian prime minister, Jonas Gahr Støre, who said “threats have no place among allies”.
In a joint statement, EU leaders said “tariffs would undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral”. EU ambassadors are expected to meet for an emergency session on Sunday. » | Lisa O’Carroll and Jakub Krupa | Saturday, January 17, 2026
Emmanuel Macron has hit back at Donald Trump’s latest threats to impose tariffs on any country opposing his Greenland takeover, warning that “no amount of intimidation” will persuade European nations to change their course on Greenland.
The US president on Saturday announced 10% tariffs on eight European countries from 1 February, with a further 25% tariff from 1 June.
Macron’s message was echoed by the Swedish prime minister, Ulf Kristersson, who warned the EU would not be “blackmailed” by Trump, and the Norwegian prime minister, Jonas Gahr Støre, who said “threats have no place among allies”.
In a joint statement, EU leaders said “tariffs would undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral”. EU ambassadors are expected to meet for an emergency session on Sunday. » | Lisa O’Carroll and Jakub Krupa | Saturday, January 17, 2026
Saturday, January 17, 2026
Trump Threatens Higher Tariffs on Opponents of Greenland Plan | DW News
Trump Wants Greenland: What Can Europe Do About It? | ARTE Europe Weekly
Tuesday, January 13, 2026
Margaret Thatcher: Peace & the EU
23 Apr 2024 | The European Community, now called the European Union, was started for one reason alone: to create lasting peace and security between its members following the most devastating war the world had ever known.
Don’t take my [Jon Danzig’s] word for it. This is what UK Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, said to the European Parliament on 9 December 198:
Don’t take my [Jon Danzig’s] word for it. This is what UK Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, said to the European Parliament on 9 December 198:
“70 years ago Europe had just experienced, on the battlefields of Verdun and the Somme, the bloodiest fighting, the most tragic waste of a generation, that the world has ever known. “The Second World War was to bring further heartbreak and destruction. “Our Community was conceived and constructed to ensure that this experience would never be repeated, to bring about a lasting peace within Western Europe, to replace antagonism with friendship and cooperation, to deepen and broaden Europe’s democratic tradition.” Mrs Thatcher added: “And let us never forget that the aftermath of war produced two great ideas which have shaped our destiny ever since. “One was the NATO Alliance, the other the European Community.”Throughout her premiership, and previously as an MP, and then leader of the Opposition, Mrs Thatcher was a strong supporter of the European Community project. In particular, she helped to design and promote the EU’s crown jewel: its Single Market, which has transformed and enriched the continent of Europe. …
Saturday, December 13, 2025
EU to Freeze €210bn in Russian Assets Indefinitely
THE GUARDIAN: The decision is a significant step towards using the cash to aid Ukraine’s defence – but Moscow is threatening to retaliate
The EU has agreed to indefinitely freeze Russia’s sovereign assets in the bloc, as Moscow stepped up its threats to retaliate against Euroclear, the keeper of most of the Kremlin’s immobilised money.
The decision by the EU to use emergency powers to immobilise €210bn (£185bn) of Russia’s central bank’s assets marks a significant step towards using the cash to aid Ukraine’s defence.
European Council president António Costa confirmed on Friday that EU leaders had delivered on a commitment, made in October, to “keep Russian assets immobilised until Russia ends its war of aggression against Ukraine and compensates for the damage caused”. » | Jennifer Rankin in Brussels | Friday, December 12, 2025
The EU has agreed to indefinitely freeze Russia’s sovereign assets in the bloc, as Moscow stepped up its threats to retaliate against Euroclear, the keeper of most of the Kremlin’s immobilised money.
The decision by the EU to use emergency powers to immobilise €210bn (£185bn) of Russia’s central bank’s assets marks a significant step towards using the cash to aid Ukraine’s defence.
European Council president António Costa confirmed on Friday that EU leaders had delivered on a commitment, made in October, to “keep Russian assets immobilised until Russia ends its war of aggression against Ukraine and compensates for the damage caused”. » | Jennifer Rankin in Brussels | Friday, December 12, 2025
Friday, October 10, 2025
'It Would Be a Disaster': Juncker Warns against Far-Right Rule in Europe
Oct 9, 2025 | Former European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker tells Andrew Marr “life would be easier without Brexit.”
Juncker gives his view on the EU’s new steel tariffs, the future of UK–EU relations under Keir Starmer and explains why he believes Nigel Farage “wouldn’t be the best Prime Minister.”
He also warns against the rise of the far-right, saying that these movements are not in line with 'European traditions'.
Juncker gives his view on the EU’s new steel tariffs, the future of UK–EU relations under Keir Starmer and explains why he believes Nigel Farage “wouldn’t be the best Prime Minister.”
He also warns against the rise of the far-right, saying that these movements are not in line with 'European traditions'.
British Steel 'Will Never Be the Same' after EU Imposes 50% Tariffs | UK Steel Director General
Oct 7, 2025 | "We are certainly talking about thousands of jobs in the steel industry."
The EU proposing to hit the UK with 50 per cent tariffs on steel means "the UK government needs to act very, very quickly", says director general of UK Steel, Gareth Stace.
Brexit: The gift that keeps on giving! — © Mark Alexander
The EU proposing to hit the UK with 50 per cent tariffs on steel means "the UK government needs to act very, very quickly", says director general of UK Steel, Gareth Stace.
Brexit: The gift that keeps on giving! — © Mark Alexander
Friday, September 26, 2025
Britain’s Place Is with Europe, Not America
MARK ALEXANDER: What is going on in America right now is nothing less than a SHITSHOW!
To think that we have given up our membership of the European Union to align ourselves with that chaotic, catastrophic, autocratic, tyrannical SHITSHOW truly beggars belief!
We can thank Cameron for calling that STUPID, COWARDLY referendum, that self-serving DICKHEAD otherwise known as Nigel Fags, and that clown extraordinaire, BoJo for the ensuing loss of prosperity!
If Keir Starmer really wants to inject life into his failing government, he needs to recognise that this country is crying out for the recognition of the GRAVE mistake we Brits have made in voting for the losers’ Brexit. He needs to assure the people that he will do all he possibly can to reverse the ridiculous decision to leave the European Union.
If Starmer adopted such a strategy, Starmer’s task ahead would be difficult; but the difficulties would not be insurmountable.
We Brits are Europeans. We are not Americans. In fact, we have LITTLE in common with Americans other than language and the desire to make money. But our values are certainly European. Our Royal Family is European, too; and so many Brits worship the Royal Family.
If the people of this country want to retain their SOVEREIGNTY, then we, as a nation, need to re-join the European Union as soon as is humanly possible. Long live the United Kingdom! Long live the European Union!
© Mark Alexander
All Rights Reserved
To think that we have given up our membership of the European Union to align ourselves with that chaotic, catastrophic, autocratic, tyrannical SHITSHOW truly beggars belief!
We can thank Cameron for calling that STUPID, COWARDLY referendum, that self-serving DICKHEAD otherwise known as Nigel Fags, and that clown extraordinaire, BoJo for the ensuing loss of prosperity!
If Keir Starmer really wants to inject life into his failing government, he needs to recognise that this country is crying out for the recognition of the GRAVE mistake we Brits have made in voting for the losers’ Brexit. He needs to assure the people that he will do all he possibly can to reverse the ridiculous decision to leave the European Union.
If Starmer adopted such a strategy, Starmer’s task ahead would be difficult; but the difficulties would not be insurmountable.
We Brits are Europeans. We are not Americans. In fact, we have LITTLE in common with Americans other than language and the desire to make money. But our values are certainly European. Our Royal Family is European, too; and so many Brits worship the Royal Family.
If the people of this country want to retain their SOVEREIGNTY, then we, as a nation, need to re-join the European Union as soon as is humanly possible. Long live the United Kingdom! Long live the European Union!
© Mark Alexander
All Rights Reserved
Friday, September 12, 2025
No Prospect of UK Rejoining EU in My Lifetime, Says Starmer’s Reset Negotiator
THE GUARDIN: Comments by Nick Thomas-Symonds underline view in top government circles despite thaw in relations with Brussels
Britain will not rejoin the EU in the foreseeable future, according to the minister who has piloted Keir Starmer’s recent reset of European relations.
Nick Thomas-Symonds said he could not see the country re-entering the bloc in his lifetime, despite the thaw in continental relations that he has helped bring about.
Asked whether he could conceive of Brexit being reversed within such a timescale, Thomas-Symonds told the Guardian’s Politics Weekly podcast: “I can’t. What I can say is that the work I have been doing with the democratic mandate from the 2024 general election is building a closer, more constructive relationship.”
He added: “What I’m about now, having reset the relationship, is building this new strategic partnership.” » | Kiran Stacey Policy editor | Friday, September 12, 2025
Who is this joker? He talks a load of bollocks! Clearly, he has no understanding of geopolitics or economics? To come to such a ridiculous and erroneous conclusion is tantamount to showing the world that he is totally and utterly clueless. — © Mark Alexander
Britain will not rejoin the EU in the foreseeable future, according to the minister who has piloted Keir Starmer’s recent reset of European relations.
Nick Thomas-Symonds said he could not see the country re-entering the bloc in his lifetime, despite the thaw in continental relations that he has helped bring about.
Asked whether he could conceive of Brexit being reversed within such a timescale, Thomas-Symonds told the Guardian’s Politics Weekly podcast: “I can’t. What I can say is that the work I have been doing with the democratic mandate from the 2024 general election is building a closer, more constructive relationship.”
He added: “What I’m about now, having reset the relationship, is building this new strategic partnership.” » | Kiran Stacey Policy editor | Friday, September 12, 2025
Who is this joker? He talks a load of bollocks! Clearly, he has no understanding of geopolitics or economics? To come to such a ridiculous and erroneous conclusion is tantamount to showing the world that he is totally and utterly clueless. — © Mark Alexander
Wednesday, September 03, 2025
Are We Joining the EU Step-by-step?
We British are Europeans! We need to rejoin the European Union at the earliest possbible convenience. / Wir Briten sind Europäer! Wir müssen der Europäischen Union so bald wie möglich wieder beitreten. / Nous, les Britanniques, sommes des Européens ! Nous devons rejoindre l’Union européenne le plus rapidement possible. — © Mark Alexander
Sunday, August 31, 2025
EU Willing to Rework Brexit Deal, Says Top German in Brussels
THE TELEGRAPH: War over Britain’s departure is ‘definitely’ over, says Manfred Weber, leader of largest group in European Parliament
The EU is willing to negotiate a better, mutually beneficial trade deal with Britain, one of Brussels’ most powerful conservatives has said.
Manfred Weber is president of the influential centre-Right European People’s Party (EPP), which counts 13 prime ministers among its membership, including Friedrich Merz, the German chancellor.
Mr Weber, the centre-Right Bavarian MEP who leads the largest group in the European Parliament, was once a fierce critic of Brexit. However, he told The Telegraph the EU’s Brexit war with Britain was over, in a sign that Sir Keir Starmer could push for a renegotiation of the reset deal agreed in May.
The Government will be cautious about any concessions the EU could seek after the bloc previously cautioned Britain against any “cherry-picking” – attempting to gain the benefits of single market membership without the obligations.
In the reset deal, Sir Keir agreed to follow EU rules, aligning with European food standards and submitting to the European Court of Justice in exchange for the freedom to export goods with fewer customs checks. » | James Crisp, European Editor, in Berlin | Sunday, August 31, 2025
The EU is willing to negotiate a better, mutually beneficial trade deal with Britain, one of Brussels’ most powerful conservatives has said.
Manfred Weber is president of the influential centre-Right European People’s Party (EPP), which counts 13 prime ministers among its membership, including Friedrich Merz, the German chancellor.
Mr Weber, the centre-Right Bavarian MEP who leads the largest group in the European Parliament, was once a fierce critic of Brexit. However, he told The Telegraph the EU’s Brexit war with Britain was over, in a sign that Sir Keir Starmer could push for a renegotiation of the reset deal agreed in May.
The Government will be cautious about any concessions the EU could seek after the bloc previously cautioned Britain against any “cherry-picking” – attempting to gain the benefits of single market membership without the obligations.
In the reset deal, Sir Keir agreed to follow EU rules, aligning with European food standards and submitting to the European Court of Justice in exchange for the freedom to export goods with fewer customs checks. » | James Crisp, European Editor, in Berlin | Sunday, August 31, 2025
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
How Europe Learned to Speak So Trump Would Listen
THE NEW YORK TIMES: The leaders of Germany, France, Britain and other supporters of Ukraine have come together in exceptional ways to help sway the U.S. president.
By midday Saturday in Europe, a question was bouncing between the government offices and vacation villas of the continent’s most influential leaders. The Ukrainian president was headed to the White House for a crucial meeting with President Trump. Mr. Trump was allowing him to bring backup. But who should go?
It was the sort of dilemma that once might have erupted into public disputes between Germany, France and Britain, the continent’s largest powers. This time, it didn’t.
The leaders of those countries decided they would all accompany Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine, to Washington, for a summit with Mr. Trump about peace talks with Russia. So would the leaders of Italy, Finland, the European Union and NATO.
They flew in on separate planes. But with Mr. Trump, they spoke in one voice.
“We were well prepared and well coordinated,” Friedrich Merz, the chancellor of Germany, told reporters after he and his counterparts met Mr. Trump at the White House. “We also represented the same viewpoints. I think that really pleased the American president.”
Mr. Trump’s persistent and sometimes volatile effort to bring a diplomatic end to the war between Ukraine and Russia has forged stronger bonds among European leaders. It has strengthened the unity that emerged earlier this year amid Mr. Trump’s tariff threats and his wavering on what have been decades-long security guarantees that America has provided to Europe. » | Jim Tankersley | Reporting from Berlin | Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Leer en español.
By midday Saturday in Europe, a question was bouncing between the government offices and vacation villas of the continent’s most influential leaders. The Ukrainian president was headed to the White House for a crucial meeting with President Trump. Mr. Trump was allowing him to bring backup. But who should go?
It was the sort of dilemma that once might have erupted into public disputes between Germany, France and Britain, the continent’s largest powers. This time, it didn’t.
The leaders of those countries decided they would all accompany Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine, to Washington, for a summit with Mr. Trump about peace talks with Russia. So would the leaders of Italy, Finland, the European Union and NATO.
They flew in on separate planes. But with Mr. Trump, they spoke in one voice.
“We were well prepared and well coordinated,” Friedrich Merz, the chancellor of Germany, told reporters after he and his counterparts met Mr. Trump at the White House. “We also represented the same viewpoints. I think that really pleased the American president.”
Mr. Trump’s persistent and sometimes volatile effort to bring a diplomatic end to the war between Ukraine and Russia has forged stronger bonds among European leaders. It has strengthened the unity that emerged earlier this year amid Mr. Trump’s tariff threats and his wavering on what have been decades-long security guarantees that America has provided to Europe. » | Jim Tankersley | Reporting from Berlin | Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Leer en español.
Wednesday, August 06, 2025
The EU Is a Colossus. So Why Is It Cowering before Trump Like a Mouse?
THE GUARDIAN: With its woeful trade deal, Europe prostrated itself before the president. We need a leader who will tell him where to shove it
Who remembers the spate of “introduction videos” that emerged during the first Trump administration – a series of tongue-in-cheek clips about European countries to introduce them to Donald Trump? The viral video trend was sparked by the Dutch comedian Arjen Lubach, who ended his segment on the Netherlands with: “We totally understand it’s going to be America first, but can we just say the Netherlands second?” It seems that Europe’s leaders remember the videos all too well; that they internalised the caustic message a little bit too much.
Afraid of rocking the boat during its trade negotiations with Trump, the EU decided to pre-emptively sink itself. Instead of strategic autonomy, it will spend hundreds of billions of dollars on American weapons; in place of future climate goals, it will pour hundreds of billions into US natural gas; instead of a mutual tariff reduction, it will take a huge unilateral hit to EU exporters; instead of self-respect, humiliating prostration.
The new trade “deal” announced by Trump and Ursula von der Leyen last month left a five-year-old’s worth of whys to ponder. Why does the EU, a colossus, think it is a mouse? Why is it content to merely nibble at the edges of power? Will it ever respect itself as much as China, which met Trump tariff for tariff until he backed off? Why don’t its politicians understand that voters want leaders who will defend them, and that, as for Canada’s Mark Carney and Brazil’s Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, there are actually electoral rewards to be reaped by doing so without reserve? Why, even after Brexit, do they ignore the lesson that these same voters prioritise identity and emotion over cold economic rationality? » | Alexander Hurst | Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Who remembers the spate of “introduction videos” that emerged during the first Trump administration – a series of tongue-in-cheek clips about European countries to introduce them to Donald Trump? The viral video trend was sparked by the Dutch comedian Arjen Lubach, who ended his segment on the Netherlands with: “We totally understand it’s going to be America first, but can we just say the Netherlands second?” It seems that Europe’s leaders remember the videos all too well; that they internalised the caustic message a little bit too much.
Afraid of rocking the boat during its trade negotiations with Trump, the EU decided to pre-emptively sink itself. Instead of strategic autonomy, it will spend hundreds of billions of dollars on American weapons; in place of future climate goals, it will pour hundreds of billions into US natural gas; instead of a mutual tariff reduction, it will take a huge unilateral hit to EU exporters; instead of self-respect, humiliating prostration.
The new trade “deal” announced by Trump and Ursula von der Leyen last month left a five-year-old’s worth of whys to ponder. Why does the EU, a colossus, think it is a mouse? Why is it content to merely nibble at the edges of power? Will it ever respect itself as much as China, which met Trump tariff for tariff until he backed off? Why don’t its politicians understand that voters want leaders who will defend them, and that, as for Canada’s Mark Carney and Brazil’s Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, there are actually electoral rewards to be reaped by doing so without reserve? Why, even after Brexit, do they ignore the lesson that these same voters prioritise identity and emotion over cold economic rationality? » | Alexander Hurst | Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Monday, July 28, 2025
It’s High Time that the European Union Grow a Spine
MARK ALEXANDER: The trade deal reached by the European Union with the USA, with Donald Trump, shows us how weak the European Union actually is. When it comes to the European Union, it’s a question of… Yes, Sir! Of course, Sir! How high should I jump to please you, Sir? How pathetic! Grow a pair, for Christ’s sake!
The European Union is a market of 450 million people. That means to say 450 million potential consumers, It is a far bigger market that the USA is. The population of the USA is a mere 340 million. The sooner that the EU realises its potential purchasing power, the sooner the EU will realise its economic and political potential. For heaven’s sake, the European Union should get its act together! Soon!
© Mark Alexander
All Rights Reserved
The European Union is a market of 450 million people. That means to say 450 million potential consumers, It is a far bigger market that the USA is. The population of the USA is a mere 340 million. The sooner that the EU realises its potential purchasing power, the sooner the EU will realise its economic and political potential. For heaven’s sake, the European Union should get its act together! Soon!
© Mark Alexander
All Rights Reserved
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)