After giving in to Donald Trump’s demands in the defense area, European leaders now expect this gesture to return: the end of the trade war with the United States.
In Brussels, where the European Council meeting takes place, the climate is of expectation. After promising to spend more on military budgets, as required by Washington, the 27 now has a gesture of reciprocity. The hope is that the understanding achieved in The Hague during the NATO summit helps to unlock the that has been opposed for months the two sides of the Atlantic.
The task will be up to the European Commission, led by Ursula von der Leyen, as trade agreements in the Union are exclusive competence of Brussels, not bilateral understandings, such as those Donald Trump suggested with countries like Spain.
United in commercial negotiations with the United States, European leaders are, however, divided as to the relationship with Israel. A recent report from the Commission itself points to possible human rights violations by the Israeli government in the Gaza Strip. All countries recognize the catastrophic character of the situation in the Palestinian enclave and ask Israel to end the blockade of humanitarian aid.
But when it comes time to discuss concrete measures to press the government of Benjamin Netanyahu, the consensus disappears. There are suggestions on the table that go through the revision of business relations with Israel, but for now, the only decision made is … continue to discuss.
