Europe Must Respond to Trump’s Return with “Calm and Unity,” Says EU Vice President Javi López
As the world grapples with the implications of Donald Trump’s return to the presidency of the United States,Javi López,Vice President of the European Parliament and leader of the PSC in Brussels,has called for Europe to respond with “calm and unity.” In an interview with Here Catalonia, López emphasized that the European Union must be “prepared” for the challenges ahead, particularly in light of Trump’s recent demands for NATO countries to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP, which he described as a “barbarity.”
A Paradigm Shift in European security
López highlighted a critical shift in european security dynamics, stating, “Europe has outsourced its security to the United States, and that has to end. We have to take charge of ourselves.” He warned that Europeans have a “problem with Trump” because they often take his statements literally. “We have to do it backwards: take him seriously, not literally,” López advised. He stressed that Trump’s message is clear: the U.S. will no longer prioritize Europe’s security. “Europe should not be pending every four years of what is voted in Pennsylvania,” he added.
To address this, López proposed financing Europe’s rearmament by drawing inspiration from the Next Generation EU fund, the massive financial instrument used for post-pandemic economic recovery. This approach, he argued, could help Europe reduce its reliance on the U.S. and strengthen its own defense capabilities.
Trump: A Symptom, Not the Problem
López described trump as a symptom of a broader global crisis. “The global consensus after World War II is falling apart,” he said, pointing to the erosion of international institutions and the increasing threat of force. “In this world, Europe is more necessary than ever,” he asserted, underscoring the continent’s role in maintaining global stability.
Immigration policies and Border Management
On the topic of immigration, López criticized recent statements by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who suggested studying Italy’s policies under Meloni as a potential model. López argued that such approaches are not the answer. “You have to protect borders, but being aware that human movements have been part of history and will continue to be. What you have to do is manage it,” he said,aligning his stance with that of the Spanish government.
The Push for Catalan’s Official Status in the EU
López also addressed efforts to secure official status for Catalan in the EU, a priority for the Spanish government. He emphasized the need for allies within the EU to advance this agenda, noting that European socialists are the strongest force supporting this cause.Though, he cautioned that achieving this goal requires unanimity in the General Affairs Council.
Responding to Junts’ Accusations
Regarding Junts’ accusations that the Spanish government is not sufficiently engaged in EU matters, López dismissed these claims as “ignorance of how things work in the European Union.” He reiterated that Spanish diplomacy is “thoroughly involved” in EU affairs.
The Sustainability of Sánchez’s Legislature
López defended the sustainability of Pedro Sánchez’s legislature, describing it as “absolutely sustainable” with a clear roadmap. However, he acknowledged the challenges posed by Spain’s fragmented political landscape, stating that governments alone “cannot make things work.”
| Key Points | Details |
|—————–|————-|
| Trump’s Demands | Calls for NATO countries to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP. |
| European Security | López advocates for Europe to take charge of its own security. |
| Next Generation EU | Proposed as a model for financing europe’s rearmament. |
| Immigration | López opposes restrictive policies, emphasizing the need for management. |
| Catalan in the EU | Efforts ongoing, but require unanimity in the General Affairs Council. |
| junts’ Accusations | Dismissed as a misunderstanding of EU processes. |
| Sánchez’s Legislature | Described as sustainable despite political fragmentation. |
As Europe navigates this new geopolitical landscape,López’s insights underscore the need for unity,strategic planning,and a renewed focus on self-reliance. The continent’s response to Trump’s presidency will undoubtedly shape its future on the global stage.
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Europe Must Respond to Trump’s Return wiht “calm and Unity,” Says EU vice President javi López
As the world grapples with the implications of Donald Trump’s return to the presidency of the United States, Javi López, Vice President of the European Parliament and leader of the PSC in Brussels, has called for Europe to respond with “calm and unity.” In an interview with Here Catalonia, López
