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

EUR -
AED 3.937293
AFN 72.892552
ALL 98.244053
AMD 415.028639
ANG 1.932939
AOA 978.152699
ARS 1065.248883
AUD 1.628384
AWG 1.929498
AZN 1.82656
BAM 1.945173
BBD 2.165469
BDT 128.158616
BGN 1.955847
BHD 0.404058
BIF 3108.636113
BMD 1.071943
BND 1.417555
BOB 7.427352
BRL 6.14878
BSD 1.07254
BTN 90.484796
BWP 14.224286
BYN 3.509824
BYR 21010.092348
BZD 2.161749
CAD 1.491149
CDF 3072.190422
CHF 0.938444
CLF 0.037697
CLP 1040.171506
CNY 7.696451
CNH 7.631482
COP 4672.333675
CRC 548.602735
CUC 1.071943
CUP 28.406502
CVE 109.878382
CZK 25.252792
DJF 190.506218
DKK 7.458202
DOP 64.825826
DZD 143.407859
EGP 52.840708
ERN 16.079152
ETB 130.245286
FJD 2.422861
FKP 0.820218
GBP 0.829556
GEL 2.916105
GGP 0.820218
GHS 17.595995
GIP 0.820218
GMD 76.648087
GNF 9250.872675
GTQ 8.290704
GYD 224.384088
HKD 8.334307
HNL 26.86332
HRK 7.384651
HTG 141.128949
HUF 407.33964
IDR 16784.169539
ILS 4.019585
IMP 0.820218
INR 90.461579
IQD 1404.245968
IRR 45120.785323
ISK 148.700414
JEP 0.820218
JMD 170.15718
JOD 0.760119
JPY 163.472496
KES 138.281086
KGS 92.405601
KHR 4362.810368
KMF 493.496025
KPW 964.748897
KRW 1498.373737
KWD 0.328733
KYD 0.893717
KZT 527.960587
LAK 23507.721047
LBP 96815.470018
LKR 313.77279
LRD 203.03014
LSL 18.898772
LTL 3.165171
LVL 0.648408
LYD 5.199334
MAD 10.608493
MDL 19.234911
MGA 4973.818152
MKD 61.432669
MMK 3481.630632
MNT 3642.463999
MOP 8.587582
MRU 42.803109
MUR 49.742188
MVR 16.561932
MWK 1860.894263
MXN 21.634854
MYR 4.697797
MZN 68.501186
NAD 18.898768
NGN 1788.087896
NIO 39.420763
NOK 11.789053
NPR 144.777018
NZD 1.796765
OMR 0.412719
PAB 1.07253
PEN 4.041629
PGK 4.303586
PHP 62.644779
PKR 298.054288
PLN 4.328326
PYG 8386.182486
QAR 3.902679
RON 4.975859
RSD 116.995661
RUB 104.617312
RWF 1460.523001
SAR 4.026148
SBD 8.940816
SCR 14.53744
SDG 644.777948
SEK 11.594093
SGD 1.42262
SHP 0.820218
SLE 24.494306
SLL 22478.115525
SOS 612.080094
SRD 37.486261
STD 22187.065938
SVC 9.38464
SYP 2693.290457
SZL 18.89876
THB 36.682302
TJS 11.400613
TMT 3.762522
TND 3.343932
TOP 2.510603
TRY 36.850571
TTD 7.288181
TWD 34.568074
TZS 2862.08947
UAH 44.275377
UGX 3925.552926
USD 1.071943
UYU 44.804377
UZS 13753.035298
VEF 3883171.596107
VES 47.8513
VND 27093.371637
VUV 127.263316
WST 3.002711
XAF 652.392683
XAG 0.031778
XAU 0.000394
XCD 2.896981
XDR 0.804107
XOF 651.741996
XPF 119.331742
YER 267.798322
ZAR 18.857206
ZMK 9648.781561
ZMW 29.198205
ZWL 345.165366
  • GSK

    -0.3700

    36.29

    -1.02%

  • JRI

    0.1600

    13.53

    +1.18%

  • SCS

    0.0600

    13.14

    +0.46%

  • BCC

    1.4700

    142.32

    +1.03%

  • RBGPF

    0.0100

    61.4

    +0.02%

  • CMSD

    0.2350

    25.125

    +0.94%

  • NGG

    -0.3600

    63.94

    -0.56%

  • BCE

    0.3000

    28.37

    +1.06%

  • CMSC

    0.1600

    24.84

    +0.64%

  • RYCEF

    -0.0700

    7.14

    -0.98%

  • AZN

    -0.2000

    64.49

    -0.31%

  • RIO

    -3.0400

    64.43

    -4.72%

  • BP

    -0.8800

    28.93

    -3.04%

  • BTI

    -0.0100

    35.39

    -0.03%

  • VOD

    -0.0100

    9.31

    -0.11%

  • 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.