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

EUR -
AED 3.936215
AFN 72.8726
ALL 97.467007
AMD 414.915038
ANG 1.93241
AOA 977.88496
ARS 1064.967164
AUD 1.628338
AWG 1.92897
AZN 1.82606
BAM 1.94464
BBD 2.164876
BDT 128.123536
BGN 1.960695
BHD 0.403945
BIF 3107.785221
BMD 1.07165
BND 1.417167
BOB 7.425319
BRL 6.179675
BSD 1.072247
BTN 90.460029
BWP 14.220393
BYN 3.508864
BYR 21004.341491
BZD 2.161157
CAD 1.491528
CDF 3071.349506
CHF 0.938546
CLF 0.037721
CLP 1040.829844
CNY 7.693488
CNH 7.629393
COP 4672.126419
CRC 548.452572
CUC 1.07165
CUP 28.398727
CVE 109.848306
CZK 25.263122
DJF 190.454073
DKK 7.4572
DOP 64.808082
DZD 143.533639
EGP 52.827034
ERN 16.074751
ETB 130.580982
FJD 2.44019
FKP 0.819993
GBP 0.830395
GEL 2.915307
GGP 0.819993
GHS 17.591179
GIP 0.819993
GMD 76.627107
GNF 9248.340537
GTQ 8.288435
GYD 224.32267
HKD 8.332512
HNL 26.8774
HRK 7.38263
HTG 141.090319
HUF 407.30246
IDR 16799.240175
ILS 4.018485
IMP 0.819993
INR 90.437033
IQD 1403.8616
IRR 45108.434916
ISK 148.749117
JEP 0.819993
JMD 170.110604
JOD 0.759911
JPY 163.57708
KES 138.243236
KGS 92.380308
KHR 4361.616185
KMF 493.360946
KPW 964.484827
KRW 1496.463293
KWD 0.328654
KYD 0.893473
KZT 527.816074
LAK 23501.286542
LBP 96019.847189
LKR 313.686904
LRD 202.974567
LSL 18.893599
LTL 3.164304
LVL 0.648231
LYD 5.197911
MAD 10.569727
MDL 19.229646
MGA 4945.665473
MKD 61.415853
MMK 3480.677644
MNT 3641.466988
MOP 8.585232
MRU 42.791393
MUR 49.728573
MVR 16.557399
MWK 1860.384902
MXN 21.614329
MYR 4.696511
MZN 68.482436
NAD 18.893595
NGN 1787.598463
NIO 39.420689
NOK 11.808138
NPR 144.737389
NZD 1.797088
OMR 0.412588
PAB 1.072237
PEN 4.040523
PGK 4.301645
PHP 62.633129
PKR 297.972705
PLN 4.330132
PYG 8383.88703
QAR 3.90161
RON 4.979426
RSD 117.029588
RUB 104.593516
RWF 1460.123229
SAR 4.025175
SBD 8.94595
SCR 14.533461
SDG 644.60146
SEK 11.617024
SGD 1.423039
SHP 0.819993
SLE 24.487602
SLL 22471.962842
SOS 611.912556
SRD 37.476
STD 22180.992922
SVC 9.382071
SYP 2692.553253
SZL 18.893587
THB 36.731346
TJS 11.397493
TMT 3.761492
TND 3.343017
TOP 2.509916
TRY 36.840762
TTD 7.286186
TWD 34.55754
TZS 2861.306062
UAH 44.263258
UGX 3924.478428
USD 1.07165
UYU 44.792114
UZS 13733.196083
VEF 3882108.699077
VES 47.292514
VND 27085.955673
VUV 127.228482
WST 3.001889
XAF 652.214111
XAG 0.03177
XAU 0.000394
XCD 2.896188
XDR 0.803887
XOF 653.174574
XPF 119.331742
YER 267.72502
ZAR 18.853973
ZMK 9646.140508
ZMW 29.190212
ZWL 345.070887
  • RBGPF

    0.0100

    61.4

    +0.02%

  • BTI

    -0.0100

    35.39

    -0.03%

  • GSK

    -0.3700

    36.29

    -1.02%

  • SCS

    0.0600

    13.14

    +0.46%

  • AZN

    -0.2000

    64.49

    -0.31%

  • CMSC

    0.1600

    24.84

    +0.64%

  • NGG

    -0.3600

    63.94

    -0.56%

  • RELX

    0.3200

    47.98

    +0.67%

  • RIO

    -3.0400

    64.43

    -4.72%

  • RYCEF

    -0.0700

    7.14

    -0.98%

  • CMSD

    0.2350

    25.125

    +0.94%

  • BP

    -0.8800

    28.93

    -3.04%

  • BCC

    1.4700

    142.32

    +1.03%

  • BCE

    0.3000

    28.37

    +1.06%

  • VOD

    -0.0100

    9.31

    -0.11%

  • JRI

    0.1600

    13.53

    +1.18%


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.