It’s published
Leaders of NATO countries met in The Hague for the annual summit. Given the potential Russian threat, they agreed to a dramatic increase in collective defense spending. But it was also about satisfying an unpredictable man in the White House. Does this solve all the problems now?
For decades, Europe has been America’s most loyal ally. That is that most political and military leaders on both sides of the Atlantic understand the role of Europe on the world stage.
Today is insufficient as the US president treats his loyal allies as if they were cheating freeloaders.
That is why the prospect of abandonment by the United States creates existential uncertainty among Europeans. In the case of Russian attacks, who will lead the Western defenses?
In The Hague, European NATO allies agreed to invest more in the defense of their own continent. Over the next few years, our target has reached 5% of GDP.
Is this realistic for everyone? Is it enough? Will it be accompanied by a new strategic role in Europe? And most importantly: will it soothe Washington in the coming years?
Guest questions discussed this week: Kathleen van Brempdo, Belgian MP for the Social Democrat European Parliament, Matthew Robinson, director of the Euro Bay Information Centre, and Carrell Ranneau, chief executive of the European Policy Research Centre.
The NATO Summit was overshadowed by a conflict in the Middle East. After all, the largest and most important member of the alliance became the party of war. The US attack on Iran’s nuclear facility supported Israel and ultimately led to a ceasefire, which broke down a few hours later.
After all, does diplomacy still have a real opportunity?
Question: Too many questions will result in too few answers. Is Trump’s decision like kicking a hornet’s nest? What real damage did the bombing do? Is Iran’s nuclear program now history?
And what about Tehran’s government change? Does Trump want that, or isn’t he? And how can this be achieved without military invasion? And finally: what about ceasefire?
Finally: Thanks to Donald Trump! The US President’s actions actually transformed his neighbors Canada and the European Union into political enthusiasts.
Trump’s threat to the 51st federal state was echoed in the country by talks about the 28th member states of the EU. This week, EU and Canadian leaders met in Brussels for a summit that also focuses on defense. But that’s not all. The bilateral security and defense agreement signed here is the most widespread agreement Europe has ever concluded in a third country.
This opens new avenues for collaboration on crisis management, military mobility, maritime security, cyber and cyber threats, and defense industry cooperation.
Is Canada replacing the US as its favorite partner in North America?
