In this edition of our weekly talk show, our panel discusses efforts to increase European defenses, Trump’s escalating trade war with America, and the European Union’s efforts to strengthen women’s rights.
Europe needs to be able to protect itself against Russia with or without the United States. That’s the Brussels consensus in light of Donald Trump’s increased consistency with the Kremlin. The EU responded to the proposal for a massive defense spending programme worth 800 billion euros. Other countries such as the UK, Canada and Türkiye are also part of the process.
Are Europeans protecting themselves in preparation for a new geopolitical reality? This comes with a large price tag. Germany is approaching the question with what mentality, whatever… Should Europe be willing to do that?
Questions to guests of this edition, all members of the European Parliament: Li Anderson of the left group, Krzysztof of the Socialist and Democrats, Pekka Toveri of the European People’s Party (EPP).
Europe was ecstatic when the Berlin Wall fell. It represented the end of the Cold War and the beginning of chronic inadequate investment in defense. Many European countries have halted forced military service and reduced the strength of their arsenals and troops.
The gap was filled by 100,000 US troops and nuclear weapons under NATO. It seems that the era is coming to an end. With Trump’s dizzy changes after the war, European leaders are rushing to reorganize Europe’s own defenses, regardless of the heavily price tag.
There are two purposes. We continue “side down” with Ukraine and are ready for moments that may or may not come. Europe has finally woken up and smells the coffee brewing of Washington and Moscow?
Another topic: Trump’s long-term vision to replace taxes with tariffs has sparked tensions between consumers and investors who hate nothing but uncertainty. But Washington continues to punish its major trading partners in Canada and Mexico, but only to grant a postponement or exemption the next morning. Meanwhile, the EU fought back on Trump’s announcement of 25% global steel and aluminum retaliation. Can a trade war still be avoided?
Donald Trump hates the European Union. He said the block was created solely to “screw the US.” Now he is on a mission to seek rewards for the past decades of Europeans taking advantage of America, as Europeans believe it. Is Europe prepared for an economic roller coaster that could plunge into a global recession?
Trump was elected on a growth-promoting platform, but now “Trump’s uplift” risks a “Trump’s poor performance” across financial markets. Can Europe escape such a recession? Where should I find support?
Finally, the panel discussed women’s rights in the EU. A few days ago, the European Commission published its roadmap for women’s rights. This is the only mention of equality across the programme of work. The previous fiscal year passed key equality laws, including the Wage Transparency Directive, the Corporate Commission’s new EU rules on gender balance, and the Work-Life Balance Initiative.
However, it appears that equality is not a priority this time. However, Europe is far from achieving gender equality, and the continued wage gap, gender-based violence and unequal domestic work still pose major challenges.
