INTERNATIONAL OMADA NEWS #Strasbourg #Loukas Fourlas #European Parliament
Europe is deeply concerned about the attitude it should take towards Donald Trump, regarding the transatlantic relations with the United States after the assumption of the duties of the new planetary leader, but also the attitude he takes, on various issues, such as the Ukrainian , the withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, but also the trade relations with the E.U.
It can be taken for granted that they want to continue the North Atlantic alliance, which is judged to be of outstanding importance for the EU, but there are several voices that argue that the Union should also consider its own interests, but also the ways in which it can to fortify itself against challenges it faces.
As in the matter of the manipulation of Social Media, so in the matter of transatlantic relations, the European Minister Adam Szlapka was the first to speak, who analyzed the plan of the Polish Presidency. Mr. Szlapka referred to Russia's war against Ukraine, saying it is an opportunity to disrupt order. “The US and other partners have been supporting Ukraine since Russia invaded. It is important that we continue to support Ukraine against the Russian invader, for as long as necessary and with as much intensity as necessary. We want a just peace. There can be no discussion about Ukraine without Ukraine."
At the same time, he referred to the commercial relations between the two sides, which, as he pointed out, offers many jobs on both sides of the Atlantic. "Mr. Trump called for action on our security and defense. It is important to increase them. We have seen a 30% increase from 2021 to 2024 and defense spending will continue to increase in the future. We look forward to working with the new US Government. The Union's energy security has taken on particular importance since the war in Ukraine began. We are ready to discuss energy issues with the US."
The vice-president of the Commission, Maros Sefcovic indicated that the North Atlantic alliance is a cornerstone for maintaining peace between the two sides, indicating that as Europe we want to face the geopolitical challenges together.
According to the vice-president of the Commission, "the E.U. will continue to support a democratic system based on the United Nations charter and respecting our territorial integrity. We stand by Ukraine and will seek a just and long-term peace."
He also indicated that "we are working on the challenges we have faced. We are open to discussion, but we will defend our interests at all costs. The E.U. it is the largest consumer of natural gas from the US. We regret to see that the US Government has decided to withdraw from the Paris Agreement".
The positioning of Loukas Fourlas
On the part of the Cypriot MEPs, Loukas Fourlas spoke on the matter, on behalf of the EPP, who indicated among other things that Europe should negotiate from a position of strength and that our relationship with the United States should be based on mutual respect and the balance of power.
According to Mr. Furla, "I often hear the word "together". It is precisely this "together" that we must define. To define what is the common future of Europe. Why President Trump's new administration in the United States highlights the need to redefine our geopolitical position. Even our economic relations with our most important strategic partner. We are partners, we share common values and historical ties, but even the closest partners negotiate and often compete."
As he said, "Europe must negotiate from a position of strength, protecting the interests of its citizens and strengthening its autonomy in critical areas, such as energy, technology and defense. We cannot be passive recipients of decisions, but must lead as an independent global player."
He also stressed that "our relationship with the United States must be based on mutual respect and the balance of power, ensuring that Europe remains strong, competitive and ready to face any challenge".
He also asked himself "so as Europe, have we decided our common stance on the common challenges of the future or is everyone going their own way without planning?", to end by saying that, "that is the question".
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Different approaches to Trump by the parties
At the same time, the parties in their positions expressed the many and different approaches with which they approach the capital of Donald Trump. The representative of the EPP, Szczerba Michal, said that the Americans voted and we have to do our own work.
We heard a lot at the Trump inauguration, he noted, “but we have to stay united. Peace in Ukraine is a priority and for us, Russia is the one that takes sides with its attitude towards peace. The European Defense Union must become a priority. Enough of this rhetoric of just talking, we have to show our strength."
On behalf of the Socialists, Kathleen Van Bremt said that we must step on our own feet, invest in our prosperity and our economy and went on to say that "where Trump and Musk choose conflict, we must choose dialogue with countries of the Atlantic. To cooperate whenever we can, but also to draw dividing lines where and where necessary. We have to draw red lines where we have to, and that can hurt the far right."
Jordan Bardella on behalf of the Patriots, emphasized that "Trump's return to leadership sent a message that it is America first and the rest of the world second. President Trump will, above all else, stand up for his own interests. We will have new political and geopolitical data. On the world stage the people will have to take power into their own hands, the Trump policy shows the way in Europe. The only industry that Brussels has innovated is the overproduction of rules. Europe is failing."
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From the Conservative and Reform group, Carlo Fidanza noted that "we Conservatives can only appreciate Trump, who wants to end the drug cartels. He talks about Greenland and Panama, which again is in our interest. Better to stick with Trump than China with this green deal. Yesterday, a new America was born, and may a new Europe be born as well."
Besides, Valerie Hayer on behalf of Renew, indicated that the USA was a partner and will remain. "The only method that can work is multilateral cooperation. We don't want trade wars, they don't interest us and they don't interest the Americans either. We have to play the power game too. The second challenge is to play as dominant Europe. The last challenge is politics. I want to be clear. Freedom of expression does not mean that the freedom of others should be trampled upon."
Sergey Lagodinskiy of the Green party said, "congratulations Mr. Trump, you are our new reality. With Trump as president, we will have to step up and take responsibility. We can defend Ukraine and build our defenses with or without American friends. We can learn to turn technology upside down and meet the needs of the citizens and not the oligarchs. We must set an example for future generations."
We see that there are threats of pressure on Greenland, said Per Clausen, a member of the Left Party, asking "what are we going to do if the leader of the biggest country in the world threatens to buy them out. Countries like France and Germany have supported these actions, but Europe is silent. There is no will to send a clear message. Is silence the best possible solution? Wouldn't it be better to defend the people of Greenland to defend their future."
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The last to speak was the representative of Europe of Sovereign Nations, Stanislav Stoyanov, who noted that "the world is changing and it is a good opportunity for Europe to obtain the dignified position it deserves. Trump can be an opportunity and not a threat to us. The E.U. it shows she doesn't respect herself. How should our transatlantic partners respect us? We're still looking for a strong Trump partner. The E.U. he talks and does nothing. He expects America to act. We have to rise to the occasion."
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Recording
