Reference News Network, August 5 report: Spain's "El País" published an editorial titled "Europe's Extreme Weakness" on August 3. The following is an excerpt:
A week ago, European citizens and people around the world witnessed the helplessness of the EU in this era where power is used to seize geopolitical space. The trade agreement between the EU and the US fully demonstrates the EU's vulnerability and dependence. The EU has not yet been prepared to face the challenges of dealing with great powers that act on instinct. There is no doubt that this agreement represents the EU's submission to coercive politics. This relationship is not only silently accepted, but also accompanied by pitiful words and submissive gestures towards American hegemony.
The logic behind the EU's submissive posture is twofold: to avoid the escalation of a tariff war and to avoid being abandoned in the Ukraine war. If we add to this the compromise of NATO European allies on the high military spending targets imposed by the US, the conclusion is obvious: Europe lacks the means and confidence to deal with the current geopolitical situation - both lacking the capability and the political cohesion to build such capabilities, as well as the proper use of existing capabilities.
European citizens must realize the current situation and demand that their countries and representatives in Brussels take important steps in the joint construction to ensure European sovereignty. This means having sufficient military, economic, and technological capabilities as well as the means to utilize these capabilities to avoid being overwhelmed.
Recent events have highlighted the urgency. The key is to complete the construction of a single market in order to overcome the fragmentation issues that are still weakening Europe. This fragmentation leads to 300 billion euros of European savings flowing to the US each year, as it is the real single market. Europe also needs to coordinate investments, build public goods for Europe, and promote innovation. It also needs to strengthen military capabilities and enhance coordination among countries in this area.
The EU's sense of economic and military helplessness coincides with its indifference in the face of the Gaza massacre. The EU's timidity or cowardice in the face of Trump's trade threats, Putin's military threats, and Netanyahu's moral threats clearly indicates the necessity of the EU's reconstruction. The EU must now change in order to act as a whole and protect itself from external threats. If Europeans see the EU's lack of confidence in itself, they will also make corresponding choices at the polls. (Translated by Wang Meng)
Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7534964531018105344/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author. Welcome to express your attitude by clicking the [Up/Down] buttons below.