Zürcher Nachrichten - EU: How do we deal with Donald Trump?

EUR -
AED 3.938479
AFN 72.914507
ALL 98.273644
AMD 415.153644
ANG 1.933522
AOA 978.447316
ARS 1065.013219
AUD 1.629363
AWG 1.930079
AZN 1.82711
BAM 1.945759
BBD 2.166121
BDT 128.197217
BGN 1.956345
BHD 0.404163
BIF 3109.572424
BMD 1.072266
BND 1.417982
BOB 7.429589
BRL 6.152562
BSD 1.072863
BTN 90.51205
BWP 14.228571
BYN 3.510881
BYR 21016.42052
BZD 2.1624
CAD 1.492359
CDF 3073.115756
CHF 0.939053
CLF 0.037708
CLP 1040.484803
CNY 7.698019
CNH 7.63378
COP 4674.952627
CRC 548.767972
CUC 1.072266
CUP 28.415058
CVE 109.911477
CZK 25.259812
DJF 190.563598
DKK 7.4598
DOP 64.845351
DZD 143.032869
EGP 52.835878
ERN 16.083995
ETB 130.284515
FJD 2.42359
FKP 0.820465
GBP 0.829992
GEL 2.916983
GGP 0.820465
GHS 17.601295
GIP 0.820465
GMD 76.671173
GNF 9253.659008
GTQ 8.293201
GYD 224.451672
HKD 8.336389
HNL 26.871411
HRK 7.386875
HTG 141.171456
HUF 407.198552
IDR 16786.168917
ILS 4.020796
IMP 0.820465
INR 90.481213
IQD 1404.668922
IRR 45134.375558
ISK 148.766647
JEP 0.820465
JMD 170.20843
JOD 0.760348
JPY 163.67614
KES 138.322736
KGS 92.433433
KHR 4364.124433
KMF 493.644665
KPW 965.039476
KRW 1499.246878
KWD 0.328832
KYD 0.893986
KZT 528.119607
LAK 23514.801496
LBP 96844.630524
LKR 313.867297
LRD 203.091292
LSL 18.904465
LTL 3.166124
LVL 0.648604
LYD 5.2009
MAD 10.611688
MDL 19.240704
MGA 4975.31625
MKD 61.451172
MMK 3482.679288
MNT 3643.561097
MOP 8.590169
MRU 42.816002
MUR 49.75717
MVR 16.566921
MWK 1861.454759
MXN 21.634157
MYR 4.699212
MZN 68.521819
NAD 18.90446
NGN 1788.626462
NIO 39.432637
NOK 11.79472
NPR 144.820624
NZD 1.813437
OMR 0.412628
PAB 1.072853
PEN 4.042846
PGK 4.304882
PHP 62.679371
PKR 298.144061
PLN 4.325898
PYG 8388.708377
QAR 3.903854
RON 4.977572
RSD 116.980874
RUB 104.59914
RWF 1460.962906
SAR 4.0275
SBD 8.943509
SCR 14.541819
SDG 644.972153
SEK 11.594742
SGD 1.421508
SHP 0.820465
SLE 24.501684
SLL 22484.885861
SOS 612.26445
SRD 37.497551
STD 22193.748611
SVC 9.387467
SYP 2694.101668
SZL 18.904452
THB 36.687634
TJS 11.404047
TMT 3.763655
TND 3.344939
TOP 2.511359
TRY 36.856587
TTD 7.290377
TWD 34.580984
TZS 2862.951522
UAH 44.288713
UGX 3926.73529
USD 1.072266
UYU 44.817872
UZS 13757.177668
VEF 3884341.194834
VES 47.874003
VND 27101.532073
VUV 127.301648
WST 3.003615
XAF 652.589182
XAG 0.031788
XAU 0.000394
XCD 2.897854
XDR 0.804349
XOF 651.938299
XPF 119.331742
YER 267.878982
ZAR 19.172477
ZMK 9651.687743
ZMW 29.206999
ZWL 345.269328
  • NGG

    -0.3600

    63.94

    -0.56%

  • SCS

    0.0600

    13.14

    +0.46%

  • GSK

    -0.3700

    36.29

    -1.02%

  • CMSC

    0.1600

    24.84

    +0.64%

  • RIO

    -3.0400

    64.43

    -4.72%

  • BCC

    1.4700

    142.32

    +1.03%

  • AZN

    -0.2000

    64.49

    -0.31%

  • RBGPF

    0.0100

    61.4

    +0.02%

  • BTI

    -0.0100

    35.39

    -0.03%

  • BP

    -0.8800

    28.93

    -3.04%

  • RYCEF

    -0.0700

    7.14

    -0.98%

  • JRI

    0.1600

    13.53

    +1.18%

  • CMSD

    0.2350

    25.125

    +0.94%

  • VOD

    -0.0100

    9.31

    -0.11%

  • BCE

    0.3000

    28.37

    +1.06%

  • RELX

    0.3200

    47.98

    +0.67%


EU: How do we deal with Donald Trump?




The prospect of Donald Trump returning to the Oval Office as the 47th President of the United States presents the European Union (EU) with a complex array of challenges and considerations. A renewed Trump presidency could significantly alter the transatlantic relationship, impacting economic ties and security cooperation. It is imperative for the EU to proactively assess its strategies to navigate this potential shift in U.S. foreign policy.

Recalibrating Diplomatic Engagement
Under President Trump's previous tenure, the transatlantic alliance experienced strains over issues such as trade tariffs, NATO funding, and differing approaches to global agreements like the Paris Climate Accord and the Iran Nuclear Deal. The EU should prepare for a diplomatic landscape where unilateral U.S. decisions might resurface. Strengthening intra-EU cohesion and presenting a unified front in negotiations could enhance the bloc's ability to manage disagreements effectively.

Economic Implications and Trade Policies
A Trump administration may revisit protectionist trade policies, potentially reinstating tariffs on European goods. The EU should consider:
- Diversifying Trade Partnerships: Reducing reliance on the U.S. market by expanding trade agreements with other global partners could mitigate economic risks.

- Enhancing Internal Markets: Strengthening the Single Market can bolster the EU's economic resilience against external shocks.

- Negotiating Trade Terms: Proactive engagement with U.S. counterparts to find mutually beneficial trade arrangements may prevent escalations.

Security and Defense Considerations
Trump's previous criticisms of NATO and demands for increased defense spending from European allies could resurface. The EU might need to:

- Boost Defense Capabilities: Investing in European defense initiatives can reduce dependency on U.S. military support.
- Promote Strategic Autonomy: Developing independent security strategies allows the EU to respond to global threats more effectively.
- Maintain Open Channels: Continuous dialogue with U.S. defense officials is crucial to preserve cooperation on shared security interests.

Climate Change and Environmental Policies
Given Trump's past withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord, environmental collaboration may face challenges. The EU should:

- Lead Global Efforts: Continue to champion climate initiatives on the international stage, encouraging other nations to commit to environmental goals.
- Engage in Dialogue: Seek common ground with the U.S. on specific environmental issues where cooperation is possible.

Addressing Global Governance and Multilateralism
A shift towards unilateralism in U.S. foreign policy could undermine multilateral institutions. The EU can:

- Support International Organizations: Reinforce commitment to the United Nations, World Trade Organization, and other bodies to uphold global governance structures.
- Forge Alliances: Collaborate with like-minded countries to promote a rules-based international order.

Mitigating Risks of Geopolitical Tensions
Potential policy divergences on relations with countries like China, Russia, and Iran require careful navigation. The EU should:

- Develop Cohesive Foreign Policies: Align member states on key foreign policy positions to present a united stance.
- Engage in Strategic Dialogue: Maintain open communications with the U.S. to manage disagreements and prevent escalations.

Conclusion
A potential second Trump presidency necessitates that the European Union reassesses its approach to transatlantic relations. By prioritizing unity, enhancing strategic autonomy, and engaging in proactive diplomacy, the EU can mitigate potential economic and security risks. Preparing for various scenarios ensures that the EU remains resilient and capable of upholding its interests on the global stage.