Since Donald Trump took office as US President, foreign policymakers from various factions have drawn lessons for future cooperation. “Now begins the new time of cooperation” said Johann Wadephul (CDU), deputy chairman of the Union’s parliamentary group, to the “Spiegel” on Tuesday. “As Europe, we can and want to work with the new administration.”
There is a mixed bag of decrees signed, with both light and shade. It is clear that the US administration wants to take a closer look at trade policy initially. “This gives opportunities for exchange and can help us avoid tariffs and other trade obstacles, which would harm both sides” said Wadephul. It is now important for the EU Commission to enter into talks with the US administration immediately.
“Much more problematic is the withdrawal from international organizations, such as the World Health Organization” he said. In these, it is not only the financing of the USA as the largest economy important, but also the exchange of expertise on topics like pandemic prevention. “The EU will have to see with other partners how such organizations can be strengthened.”
His party colleague, Jürgen Hardt (CDU), the foreign policy spokesperson of the Union’s parliamentary group, who had attended the inauguration ceremony in Washington, criticized the handling of Trump in Germany. “The German government, but also the public, will have to get off their high horse” he said to the news magazine. Germany must rediscover its strengths. “Prosperous economy, top research, and security both at home and abroad are tasks that Germany must now tackle.” Good contacts with the new government are needed. For this, a future federal chancellor, Friedrich Merz (CDU), stands, according to Hardt.
Nils Schmid, foreign policy spokesperson of the SPD parliamentary group, criticized Trump’s inaugural speech. “He remains a politician who does not reconcile, but polarizes” said he to the “Spiegel”. The speech was a mere repetition of well-known election campaign promises and vows, he explained. “It is alarming to see his foreign policy approach, which focuses on show effects like the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico, without even touching the big questions of international politics. There will be, in any case, four wild years.”
Michael Link, deputy chairman of the FDP parliamentary group and, during the government participation of the Liberals, the federal government’s transatlantic coordinator, referred to the “many great promises” in Trump’s speech. “He makes it clear that he will ignite a turbo for political initiatives in all policy areas from the very first day. But even Trump will not be able to keep all his promises – especially not without real allies in the world. This is especially true for the handling of China” said Link to the news magazine.
The global challenge posed by China can only be overcome by the USA and the EU together. “Therefore, our political offer to Trump should be to work together transatlantically to de-risk the relationship with China” so Link. “Instead of Trump being criticized from a moral point of view, we must seek practical ways of cooperation. Otherwise, a dangerous trade war between the USA and Europe could escalate, harming both sides and making China the laughing third party.