This summer, the president blocked nearly $400 million in military aid to Ukraine, a U.S. ally fighting a Russian-backed insurgency. House Democrats are examining whether he withheld the arms to get Ukraine to dig up dirt on a potential 2020 political rival, former Vice President Joe Biden.
In Europe, Trump has repeatedly questioned why the United States is still in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, the 29-nation defense alliance that has protected the continent for 70 years — and which rushed to America’s aid in Afghanistan after 9/11.
Trump even questioned the U.S. military alliance with Japan, complaining that Japan exports cars to the United States but isn’t required to defend our shores.
“Our allies take advantage of us far greater than our enemies,” he said en route to a recent summit — with our allies.
In reference to the above, it must also be noted that the US has been one of the strongest advocates in promoting the admission of former Eastern European Bloc countries for membership in the EU.
Unfortunately many of these Eastern European countries admitted as members into the EU, including Poland and Hungary, have shown a complete disrespect for the impartiality of their Judicial system, freedom of the Press,, and other democratic institutions, to which they, as members of the EU must subscribe to. Many of these Eastern bloc countries have also become strongholds for nationalist and populist movements.
Yes indeed, it is high time the EU Commission starts putting "their money where their mouth is" and stop "pussy footing" around with the US and start developing its own independent course,. in conjunction, and in unity with all the member states re: foreign policy, military development and international policy.
The lesson we should learn from all this probably is from what German Chancellor Angela Merkel said last year: "Europe can no longer rely on the United States as a partner".
EU-Digest
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