We said “as long as it takes,” and well, it's gonna take a bit longer. Europe doesn’t need to back down now, not for Putin, not for Trump, not for anyone else who tests us. We can step up and stand firm. Here’s how:🧵1/8
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Ive been to Vilnius a couple of times, whilst cycling down through E Europe. A visit to the old KGB headquarters with torture and execution chambers, as shocking as my visit to Dachau. Realising how Lithuania and other states bordering Russia have been brutalised over not just decades but centuries
Why do you keep characterizing the US as weak or isolationist? Those are Trump’s positions at best. At worst, which seems more likely, he is actively aiding & abetting Putin.
If we (europeans) would take ‘value-based’ politics uncompromisingly serious, than the answer is clear, trump and his entourage are to be called out to what they are, namely the opposite and a direct threat to those values! I hope we reach the strength one day to do so in any possible futurescenario
Even without the pro-Russians and the waverers (eg Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Italy), Europe is strong enough to deal with a third-rate power like Russia.
OK, it has nuclear weapons, but so do two of the strongest European nations.
Very much appreciated thread! We need to get an European army asap and we need to abolish the unanimous vote for the EU. This can be the turning point for the 🇪🇺
🇪🇺Stick together.
A tightly united Europe can be strong enough to resist an isolationist America. We must tackle internal disruptors so external disruptors find it harder to tackle us.🧵3/8
Yes, solving this issue, or mastering it, will be key to building confidence in Europe.
I do wonder how. I imagine how it might be to be in the minority. Perhaps we need to be able to allow countries to have a get out without it hampering the benefits of collective action.
🇪🇺Ignore provocations.
There is no need for European leaders to be shocked by every wild tweet and every chaotic press conference. Standing firm for our shared principles is all we need to do in this drama.🧵4/8
🇪🇺Prepare.
Wishful thinking and polite discussions will not stop the huge changes in the world around us. We must work hard and fast to prepare our continent for the worst. If it happens, we will be ready. If it doesn’t, we will be stronger.🧵5/8
Agreed. This is why I think our efforts need to have dual purpose so if the worst doesnt happen, it still contributes to the economy or some other area.
🇪🇺Remain values-based.
Swapping US support for Chinese “guarantees” won’t work, it will only delay our demise. The world needs a values-based center of gravity—The EU should offer that. Europe must also become its own security guarantor as soon as possible, period.🧵6/8
🇪🇺Stay open.
Trump changes his position frequently. We must leave the door open for him to rethink and come back to us. If he decides to do that, he should be welcomed with open arms, not shunned or chastised.🧵7/8
Push back?, or simply wait for a week…
Last we Zelenskyy was a dictator, tomorrow there will be a deal (read: meeting, with a signature on paper; of course, not necessary to remain valid for another week or two. So stay close!)
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OK, it has nuclear weapons, but so do two of the strongest European nations.
The US is important but not omnipotent. Zelenskyy proved that pushing back can work. Firmness commands respect.🧵2/8
A tightly united Europe can be strong enough to resist an isolationist America. We must tackle internal disruptors so external disruptors find it harder to tackle us.🧵3/8
I do wonder how. I imagine how it might be to be in the minority. Perhaps we need to be able to allow countries to have a get out without it hampering the benefits of collective action.
There is no need for European leaders to be shocked by every wild tweet and every chaotic press conference. Standing firm for our shared principles is all we need to do in this drama.🧵4/8
Wishful thinking and polite discussions will not stop the huge changes in the world around us. We must work hard and fast to prepare our continent for the worst. If it happens, we will be ready. If it doesn’t, we will be stronger.🧵5/8
Swapping US support for Chinese “guarantees” won’t work, it will only delay our demise. The world needs a values-based center of gravity—The EU should offer that. Europe must also become its own security guarantor as soon as possible, period.🧵6/8
Trump changes his position frequently. We must leave the door open for him to rethink and come back to us. If he decides to do that, he should be welcomed with open arms, not shunned or chastised.🧵7/8
These 'superpowers' might even end up bidding and competing for #EU and British co-operation if isolationism is the way things are going.
Not so brics 🤔
Last we Zelenskyy was a dictator, tomorrow there will be a deal (read: meeting, with a signature on paper; of course, not necessary to remain valid for another week or two. So stay close!)