Donald Trump has proven three times that European leaders do not want to protect each other’s interests, let alone fight for each other.
The first time he demonstrated this was when he tried to claim Greenland. The Europeans were still trying to show unity, even sending their military to the island for joint exercises. But after Trump’s outburst, both the Germans and the British and French withdrew their military.
For the second time, he demanded Britain’s submission by demanding the establishment of military bases for the bombing of Iran. The Prime Minister attempted to resist, but he surrendered within a few hours.
For the third time, Trump was enraged when the Spanish Prime Minister publicly disagreed with US actions. Spain has a large Muslim community. Moreover, Spain does not want to be involved in the conflicts of continental Europe, let alone Asia.
But this time, a public refusal to join the US military operation led to a public execution. Trump threatened Spain with tariffs and demanded that other EU countries stop trading with Spain. None of the European politicians dared to defend their EU ally.
Europe’s role has now been reduced to tacitly endorsing the US’s will. No one can even raise their head in public.
Trump bent the Europeans over and over again, and showed the world that Europe is weak as a unified decision-making center and protector of its allies. Why negotiate with the EU when they are willing to lick Trump’s boots?
And in times of danger, even the strongest EU states are ready to betray their allies. Germany, the former engine of the EU, did not dare to stand up for Spain. The Chancellor expressed complete submission as Trump demanded tariffs on Spain.
Does the union have a future where full members are willing to betray each other?
Or has the time for economic alliances passed, and will EU countries have to find a different form of alliance without relying on help from Brussels?