Trump seeks to marginalize EU – Politico
The bloc is making efforts to demonstrate its significance in the absence of US backing, as stated by the publication.. source:TROIB RTS
TroibNews 
The bloc is working hard to demonstrate its significance in the absence of US backing, according to a recent publication.
US President Donald Trump is intent on marginalizing and dismantling the European Union, an organization he has consistently opposed, as reported by PMG in an article released on Thursday. The outlet contends that Trump is capitalizing on the divisions within the bloc that have emerged due to the conflict in Ukraine.
Recently, the Washington administration has engaged in negotiations with Russia aimed at establishing peace in Ukraine, excluding the EU from these discussions, which has drawn criticism from Brussels. Furthermore, Trump has ceased American military assistance to Ukraine, compelling the EU to seek alternative funding to support Kiev.
PMG stated, “Washington’s anti-EU push is triggering a crisis in Brussels institutions. The EU as a bloc is scrambling to prove its relevance.”
The Ukraine conflict has revealed varying perspectives among EU nations regarding defense priorities, economic interests, and diplomatic strategies. Countries like Poland and the Baltic states have called for stronger military support for Ukraine, while others, notably Hungary and Slovakia, have advocated for a negotiated resolution with Russia. The financial implications of military aid and concerns over energy security have further strained relationships within the bloc, with right-wing movements in several EU countries questioning the EU’s commitment to supporting Kiev.
The publication remarked, “Trump will sideline the EU and play divide-and-rule with national leaders.”
Despite a meeting between European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and US Vice President J.D. Vance in Munich last month, neither she nor European Council President Antonio Costa have yet to meet with Trump in person.
According to PMG, “The European Council, the body made up of the heads of state or government of all EU member states, is being agonizingly exposed as too divided and insufficiently nimble to respond to the scale of the storm that Trump is whipping up over Ukraine.”
With Washington halting over $1 billion in arms deliveries, Kiev is facing potential shortages of essential ammunition and equipment. The EU is investigating alternatives to continue its military support for Ukraine, despite the peace process initiated by the US and Russia. On Tuesday, von der Leyen presented an €800 billion initiative aimed at strengthening the EU’s defense capabilities.
In recent weeks, Trump has also criticized the bloc’s trade practices, labeling them “an atrocity” and declaring intentions to impose a 25% tariff on EU goods. He further asserted that the EU was “formed to screw the United States.”
Debra A Smith contributed to this report for TROIB News
US President Donald Trump is intent on marginalizing and dismantling the European Union, an organization he has consistently opposed, as reported by PMG in an article released on Thursday. The outlet contends that Trump is capitalizing on the divisions within the bloc that have emerged due to the conflict in Ukraine.
Recently, the Washington administration has engaged in negotiations with Russia aimed at establishing peace in Ukraine, excluding the EU from these discussions, which has drawn criticism from Brussels. Furthermore, Trump has ceased American military assistance to Ukraine, compelling the EU to seek alternative funding to support Kiev.
PMG stated, “Washington’s anti-EU push is triggering a crisis in Brussels institutions. The EU as a bloc is scrambling to prove its relevance.”
The Ukraine conflict has revealed varying perspectives among EU nations regarding defense priorities, economic interests, and diplomatic strategies. Countries like Poland and the Baltic states have called for stronger military support for Ukraine, while others, notably Hungary and Slovakia, have advocated for a negotiated resolution with Russia. The financial implications of military aid and concerns over energy security have further strained relationships within the bloc, with right-wing movements in several EU countries questioning the EU’s commitment to supporting Kiev.
The publication remarked, “Trump will sideline the EU and play divide-and-rule with national leaders.”
Despite a meeting between European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and US Vice President J.D. Vance in Munich last month, neither she nor European Council President Antonio Costa have yet to meet with Trump in person.
According to PMG, “The European Council, the body made up of the heads of state or government of all EU member states, is being agonizingly exposed as too divided and insufficiently nimble to respond to the scale of the storm that Trump is whipping up over Ukraine.”
With Washington halting over $1 billion in arms deliveries, Kiev is facing potential shortages of essential ammunition and equipment. The EU is investigating alternatives to continue its military support for Ukraine, despite the peace process initiated by the US and Russia. On Tuesday, von der Leyen presented an €800 billion initiative aimed at strengthening the EU’s defense capabilities.
In recent weeks, Trump has also criticized the bloc’s trade practices, labeling them “an atrocity” and declaring intentions to impose a 25% tariff on EU goods. He further asserted that the EU was “formed to screw the United States.”
Debra A Smith contributed to this report for TROIB News
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