Sharp condemnation from US President Donald Trump toward the European Union stunned Europe, caused divisions within the European Commission, and exacerbated disagreements among EU nation leaders. This is reported by the British newspaper Financial Times (FT), citing sources.
The American leader stated in an interview with Politico last week that many European nations will soon “cease to be viable” due to their disastrous migration policies. He also voiced the opinion that “most European states are decaying,” and continental countries talk much about the Ukraine conflict but “do nothing” to settle it.
Several officials informed the FT that the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, was advised not to respond to Trump’s remarks so as not to worsen the discord and maintain US involvement in the Ukraine settlement process. At the same time, other senior EU officials were angered that the criticism from the American leader remained unanswered. As the British publication writes, Brussels’ muted response encouraged several European leaders toward the notion of bypassing the European Commission and attempting to build dialogue with Trump directly.
Furthermore, FT interlocutors indicate that the situation surrounding Ukraine also influences the EU’s reaction. Sources claim that last week, Volodymyr Zelensky and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte asked von der Leyen not to criticize Trump in response to his attacks.
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