https://arab.news/j72gv
Between a rock, a hard place and a sword. This probably best describes the strategic posture of Europe relating to the US, Russia and China. Following President Donald Trump’s hard truths to European heads of state last year and his even rougher treatment in the past month, Europe now finds itself in search of strength and direction. Its reactions lack depth and appear erratic at this stage, ranging from disdain of the US’ opening of negotiations with Russia, which has been labeled a mortal enemy, to fumbling its approach to China. Europe is making clumsy and chaotic moves — behavior that resembles a child pouting because he was not invited to a birthday party and is now trying to find new friends.
At the same time, Europe is seeking new avenues to showcase its influence. The EU and India this week announced a landmark free trade agreement that cuts tariffs on most goods and opens up services and investment on both sides. Even if it took decades to negotiate and is strategic, strengthening EU-India ties, the political framing of it aimed to highlight a successful diversification away from overreliance on other global powers. The effervescent announcement was to state that the EU has another way forward. But the reality is that Europe’s prosperity, stability and security will not come from a trade deal with India, it will need to come from within.
