Europe must learn to rely on itself because of Trump’s policies, - Dutch Foreign Minister Veldkamp
Europe has entered a new era in which it must rely on its own strength and build an independent defense capability in response to the change in US policy under the presidency of Donald Trump.
This was stated by Dutch Foreign Minister Kaspar Veldkamp, Censor.NET reports.
His words came after a statement by Friedrich Merz, who won the German elections and questioned the preservation of NATO in its current format.
"The era that began with the fall of the Berlin Wall is now over," Veldkamp said, answering a question about the future of European security at a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels.
The Dutch Foreign Minister emphasized that Europe should not only unite within the EU, but also strengthen cooperation with the UK, Norway and other countries that are ready to contribute to strengthening the continent's defense capabilities.
One of the reasons for this position is Trump's recent statements that he is ready to negotiate with Russia to end the war in Ukraine, without taking into account the interests of Kyiv and European allies. In addition, the Trump administration has made it clear that it no longer considers Europe's security a U.S. priority.
"We have all become Gaullists," Veldkamp said, referring to Charles de Gaulle, who advocated the independence of European politics from the United States. He emphasized that the transatlantic relationship remains important, but that Europeans should have "realistic expectations" about the level of support from Washington.
