At an informal summit in Valletta, Malta on Friday 3 February, European leaders will try to find a coordinated answer to the recent decisions and statements of the Trump administration that are likely to divide and challenge the foundations of transatlantic relations.
US President Donald Trump's approach of putting America first is of concern to Europeans (see EUROPE 11714) and obliges them to reflect on the evolution of their ties with the world's most powerful country and on what they hope to do together to weigh more on a global level. In the view of several countries, including France, Europe should now take its destiny in its hand and no longer depend on the US for its security.
In Valletta, where British Prime Minister Theresa May is expected to talk about her recent meeting with the US billionaire (see other article), the European leaders could reaffirm their belief in the benefits of free trade, which must also be fair, according to European Council President Donald Tusk. On Wednesday, the European Commission furthermore announced the acceleration of trade negotiations with Mexico, a neighbouring country of the US which is at risk of falling victim to this new American protectionism (see other article).
If they stay united, the Europeans could also call for the respect of the sanctions aimed at Russia since its annexation of Crimea. In addition, they could call for the agreement on the Iranian nuclear programme to be maintained, and for the Paris Climate Agreement to be made concrete. The respect of equal treatment between Europeans, via the US anti-immigration executive order is another potential element of transatlantic disagreement, despite the assurances of US authorities, at a time when Europeans are also reflecting on how to stem the flows of illegal migrants from Libya. However, reaffirming certain principles such as the fundamental rights on which European policy is based is one way of responding, rather weakly, to the new US policy, a senior national diplomat wants to believe.
On behalf of the Commission, European Commissioner for Energy Union Maroš Šefčovič underlined the need, on Wednesday 1 February, "to treasure" the heritage of the transatlantic relationship. Nevertheless, he thought that Europe should be "an anchor of stability in a changing world". "We have never been so overwhelmed by calls from different parts of the world to continue to provide leadership in particular in climate change, energy transition, on free and fair trade, on providing well targeted development aid and [in the] fight for effective multilateralism, based on law, modern values and a well-functioning system of international organisations", he said, adding he was sure that "the leaders in Valetta will confirm this ambition".
The first meeting scheduled between the European leaders and new US president could take place at the next NATO summit, if this is confirmed, in the spring, or at the latest, in early July, at the G20 summit in Hamburg. (Original version in French by Mathieu Bion with Jan Kordys)