End of All Illusions

Europe and the U.S. no longer share basic values.

Like a wrecking ball, Donald Trump is swinging through Europe and knocking down trans-Atlantic relationships, laboriously constructed over decades. With unprecedented recklessness, he is destroying the foundations of the partnership between the U.S. and the Europe — and doing so publicly.

Europe needs to look the new reality in the eye. Under Trump, the U.S. has no interest in collaboration among equals.

Regardless, continuing to be ingratiating and hoping not to be hit by the Trumpist wrecking ball would be a bad bet. Those who were spared in the first round of Trump’s decrees have to assume that they’ll be attacked in the second or third round.

Trump knows no partnership; he knows only power, narcissism and public performance as grand as possible.

There is real danger that the Republicans are intentionally driving wedges into European unity — and are thus accomplishing precisely what enemies of a strong Europe want.

Under Trump, the U.S. no longer shares the same basic values as Europe. Democracy in the U.S. is being eroded from the inside; rights and the rule of law don’t seem to matter anymore for Trump and his buddies from corporate headquarters.

A partnership is not a one-way street. Europe can’t let itself be exploited by Trump, who will play them off against one another. It is more important to enhance our own strengths, reduce dependence and stand up confidently for European interests.

Europe can’t compensate for Washington’s complete abdication in many political arenas, from developmental aid to environmental protection. But Europe can stop deluding itself. Now, it needs to come together in making right conclusion and to construct a future in which it exists — even without the U.S.