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Foreign Policy Live

How Should Europe Navigate the Trump Era?

Mar 21, 2025
In this discussion, Arantxa Gonzalez-Laya, former foreign minister of Spain, and Gabrielius Landsbergis, former foreign minister of Lithuania, dissect Europe's response to the Trump era. They explore Europe's evolving defense strategies amid U.S. shifts, emphasizing self-reliance and military investment due to threats from Russia. The duo also navigates trade tensions, advocating for strategic resilience against rising protectionism while safeguarding open markets. Their insights reveal the complexities of Europe’s geopolitical landscape in these tumultuous times.
39:00

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Europe's commitment to enhancing its defense capabilities reflects a critical response to shifting US policies and emerging security threats.
  • The necessity for a unified European strategy stems from varied national perceptions of threat, particularly between Eastern and Western nations.

Deep dives

Europe's Shift Toward Defense Sovereignty

Europe is taking significant steps to invest in its own defense capabilities due to heightened security concerns stemming from its reliance on the United States. This marks a vital turning point, as European leaders acknowledge the need to ensure their sovereignty and security. Countries like Germany and Lithuania are spearheading this initiative, with discussions around removing limitations on national borrowing for defense spending. However, the process is gradual and fraught with challenges, as many European nations still grapple with how to prioritize defense in their budgets while addressing other pressing societal needs.

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