The global safety Summit in Munich was intended to supply an chance to strengthen the relation between the United States and the European Union. However, the attitude of Donald Trump's administration clearly indicates a fresh strategy towards the Ukrainian conflict. The Americans do not want Europe to play a key function in peace talks.
A fresh US policy towards Europe
During the gathering in Munich, representatives of Donald Trump's administration made it clear that transatlantic relations were undergoing change. Washington sees no request for Europe to participate straight in the peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. Instead, the U.S. is only going to collect the opinions of European allies and hold diplomatic talks on its own.
This position is simply a clear contrast to an earlier policy in which the United States and the European Union worked together to assist Ukraine. The fresh strategy may lead to a weakening of Europe's global position and to a simplification in its impact on the situation in east Europe.
Donald Tusk comments on the summit
The reaction to events in Munich was a short but eloquent entry by Donald Tusk in X. Polish Prime Minister recalled historical associations related to this city, referring to the Munich Agreement of 1938. "As a tourist, I like this place very much. good people, perfect beer, amazing Pinakoteka. As a historian and politician, the only thing I can say present is: MONACHIUM.
His words clearly propose that Europe should stay vigilant and avoid a situation where decisions about its future are made without its direct participation.
France organises its own talks
Europe's consequence to the U.S. attitude was immediate. France decided to take matters into its own hands and began talks with European leaders to organise an informal summit on Ukraine. The gathering is scheduled to take place in Paris on Monday, and according to Reuters reports, its organization has already confirmed 4 European diplomats.
France stresses that Europe cannot stay a passive observer and should make its own safety policy. The decision to convene the summit shows that the EU intends to act independently, even if the US decides to take another course.
Lack of assurance in Donald Tusk's government
While politicians debate the future of Europe and Ukraine, there are discussions in Poland about the economical situation of the country. According to the latest SW investigation poll for Rzeczpospolita, more than half of the respondents (51.5 percent) do not believe that Donald Tusk's government can cope with the improvement of the economical situation.
The question of whether the current administration is able to reverse negative economical trends, 24.9% of respondents replied "no", and 26.6% believe that the situation may even deteriorate. Optimism showed 38.1% of respondents, of which 10% have already noticed affirmative changes, and 28.1% believe that the future will bring improvement.
Piotr Zimolzak, Vice president of SW Research, points out that support for government actions grows with age of respondents. People over 50 are more likely to believe that Tusk's office can improve the economical situation.
Europe at a crossroads
Recent developments in Munich show that Europe is facing a key challenge – whether it will be able to build its position on the global phase on its own or whether it will gotta adapt to the American strategy.
The U.S. attitude suggests that the future of transatlantic relations may look different than before. In this context, France's decision to organise an informal summit of European leaders may be crucial for the future of safety in the region.
