Fiona Nanna, ForeMedia News

6 minutes read. Updated 2:32PM GMT Thurs, 7th November, 2024

Around 50 European leaders convened Thursday in Budapest to discuss Europe’s defense independence amidst the anticipated return of former U.S. President Donald Trump. The European Political Community summit served as a platform for leaders to voice concerns over Europe’s dependence on U.S. defense support, especially under a potentially divisive Trump administration.

French President Emmanuel Macron reminded attendees, “He was elected by the American people. He will defend American interests.” Macron urged European leaders to prioritize their own interests, stating, “The question is whether we are willing to defend the European interest. It is our priority.” This sentiment was echoed across the summit as leaders voiced support for a more self-sufficient European defense stance.

During his 2017-2021 presidency, Trump demanded that NATO allies in Europe contribute more to their defense, a push that reverberates in current European defense policies. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg acknowledged Trump’s influence, crediting him with pushing Europe to exceed the 2% GDP defense spending goal. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, reflecting on Trump’s influence, remarked, “Thanks to him, NATO, if you exclude the U.S., is now above the 2%.”

EU Council President Charles Michel emphasized the need for Europe to become “masters of our destiny,” not only in defense but also in facing economic and geopolitical challenges. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis underscored this sentiment, warning against “geopolitical naivete” and calling for increased European defense resources.

Trump’s campaign rhetoric – from possible trade conflicts to reduced NATO commitment and a recalibrated stance on Ukraine – has stirred apprehension. His statement that he would end the Ukraine war in a day, should he be reelected, was seen as a veiled suggestion of a settlement favorable to Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who spoke with Trump by phone, conveyed hope for a strong U.S.-Europe alliance. “America needs a strong Europe, just as Europe needs a strong America,” Zelenskyy remarked.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, an open Trump supporter, shared news of a recent call with Trump, hinting at “big plans for the future.” Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni similarly praised the “deep strategic partnership” between Rome and Washington, even as Europe remembers Trump’s tariffs on EU steel and aluminum during his first term, leading to retaliatory EU tariffs on iconic American products.

Further complicating Europe’s response to Trump’s return is the political crisis in Germany. Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s dismissal of his finance minister has led to the collapse of his coalition government, raising concerns over Germany’s leadership role in Europe at this pivotal moment.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk summarized the atmosphere, remarking that these challenges “add even more pepper and salt to this situation,” underscoring the complex dynamics of European-U.S. relations in the Trump era.

Focus Keyword Phrases: European defense independence, Trump and Europe relations, EU stance on Russia, NATO spending Europe

Meta Description: Around 50 European leaders met in Budapest to assess how Trump’s potential return could shape European defense and relations with Russia, signaling a call for less reliance on U.S. defense.