Germany’s Federal Minister of Economics, Robert Habeck, has taken a clear stance on the relationship between Europe and the United States. Ahead of possible trade disputes, he told the RTL/ntv editorial team, “It’s good if a trade conflict, a tariff conflict, can be avoided in the first place.”
Reflecting on European self-perception and its approach to US politics, Habeck emphasized the need for Europe to stand united. He used an illustrative example to convey the necessary shift in strategy: “We must get out of this rabbit-and-snake position. We must be a strong rabbit, or a faster one, if we don’t want to be the snake.”
This means, among other things, accelerating planning processes and driving innovations forward. At the same time, the Federal Minister pointed to the dangers of a split in Europe: “If we don’t pass this major test as a union, then we will no longer have a future.”
The European Commission must represent the common voice of the EU, and a united stance towards the US is of the utmost importance, Habeck said.
Finally, he warned against a resurgence of nationalism. In response to the question of whether Western values are now in the minority, Habeck agreed: “Yes, that’s how it must be said. The trend towards nationalist governments, towards a notion of freedom that in reality only means unlimited power for the wealthy and ever-greater exclusion for others – that’s the direction we’re heading in.”