In a world where protectionism is gaining ground and international law is losing ground, the EU must respond with unity, say MEPs. Most of the political groups in the European Parliament believe that the EU must lead the way in terms of economic openness and respect for democracy, but that at the same time, it must build up its autonomy in defence and industry. This was their message during a debate in the European Parliament on Tuesday 21 January, on Donald Trump’s return to power in the United States and its consequences for the EU.
Security. Continued support for Ukraine, with uncertain US backing, is crucial for the majority of MEPs, especially given that some are wary of Vladimir Putin’s intentions towards the EU. “Today, our safety is in our hands, and in our hands alone. Our objective, and that of the Polish Presidency [of the Council of the EU - editor’s note] is to remain united to guarantee security”, insisted Dariusz Joński (EPP).
Elected representatives and European leaders alike are trying to strike a balance between cooperation and emancipation from Washington. “I don’t want a Europe that turns its back on a historic ally, or a vassal Europe”, summarised Sophie Wilmès (Renew Europe, Belgian).
With regard to EU sovereignty, the Danish MEPs, in particular, thought it important to mention the case of Greenland, whose people alone must decide its destiny, they argued.
Democracy. On the right of the Chamber, the ECR, PfE and ENS groups shared the ideal of European autonomy, but largely distanced themselves from the criticism of the new American President. For Jorge Buxadé Villalba (PfE, Spanish), Mr Trump’s election to the White House marks “the return of the working classes, who have been suffocated”.
The three groups believe that the US President will rightly defend the interests of his own people, and that the EU should put an end to its ideologies, particularly when it comes to climate protection and respect for human rights.
Economy. Most groups agree that if the EU wants to return to prosperity, it should not cut its ties with Washington completely. But faced with the threat of tariffs that would have a significant impact on the European economy, there is an urgent need to act to protect the continent’s businesses.
However, views differ on the strategy to adopt in the event of a trade war with the United States. While some MEPs want the EU to show its teeth in the negotiations, a growing number are calling for appeasement and dialogue. It also means promoting common interests in the hope of avoiding tariffs. “We need a more transactional approach to economic and military issues”, says Sebastião Bugalho (EPP, Portuguese)
In the midst of this uncertainty, Europeans must step up their efforts to open up to trade with other partners, for a large number of MEPs. “More than ever, we must choose cooperation, with South America and South-East Asia, through trade and dialogue”, insisted Kathleen Van Brempt (S&D, Belgian).
This message is fully shared by the European Commission. At Davos, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, praised the Commission’s recent efforts to conclude negotiations on several strategic trade agreements. “This new openness to countries from every continent is not only an economic necessity, it is also a message to the world as a whole”, she declared, before turning her attention to Washington: “We would like to see greater cooperation with all those who are open to this idea. It goes without saying that this includes our closest partners. Naturally, I’m thinking here of the United States of America”.
And she reiterated the significance of transatlantic trade relations. “Our absolute priority will therefore be to engage in dialogue without delay, to examine our common interests and to prepare for negotiations. We will be pragmatic, but we will not abandon our principles. To protect our interests and defend our values - that’s the European way.”
To see Ms von der Leyen’s speech in Davos, go to https://aeur.eu/f/f57
This balance between cooperation and the protection of European interests, as well as European unity in this equation, has been widely defended by the EU’s economy and finance ministers. They attended a dinner on transatlantic relations on Monday 20 January. “We must act together. Together we form a very large market and, with a common force, we will be much better able to respond to developments in the United States”, declared the Austrian Finance Minister, Gunter Mayr, on Tuesday 21 January. (Original version in French by Léa Marchal with the editorial staff)