Europe's Military Puzzle: Trump, Putin, and Tallinn Talks

As Cold War-like tensions escalate again in Europe with an ambitious Russian President, leaders from Europe and Britain met in Brussels to confront this evolving threat. In the background, a change of guard in Washington is making everyone a bit nervous. Donald Trump’s unexpected take on politics has cast a different light on European defense politics. The gathering marks a historic first in EU politics: a triad of leaders from the EU council, Britain, and NATO. And let's not forget that there's always a struggle over cash in politics. The sum of $510 billion the EU estimates is required for the next decade. Many European countries have been increasing their military spending. Yet, they are still feeling like they are only walking in place. But what exactly are they trying to do? Many of the countries with a big stake in this are the same countries which have already been seeing threats from Russia. Countries like Poland and the Baltic states are the ones leading the pack. When they got together what did they talk about? Statistically, kick-starting the economy and the role of the EIB. They also talked about green light for new weapons: the desire to keep things EU-oriented is still strong, but it’s a hotly debated topic.

Complicating matters is Trump's plans to impose market restrictions. His stated aim to re-board the defense spending boat has different nations on different sides of the scale. This is especially true as the EU evens out its own internal challenges. This meeting exemplified this divide: while countries closer to Russia, like Poland, demanded speed and a sorrow of “finding someone to supply them with what they need. ” The West hesitated and discouraged the idea of a EU-wide defense union. This is especially compounded by the frictions between EU member countries over what this cooperation should look like and how the money should be spent: The discussion has turned to Britain's involvement. Five years ago, the UK said it was leaving the EU, making a name for itself as a maverick and independent nation. It would sure be helpful for them to step up again in an EU security treaty. But Brexit is a bitter pill to swallow. The expectation is that this cooperation will have to be done slowly, and with baby steps.

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