Alwaght- Martin Schulz, the German president of the European Parliament has expressed his fears of a possible US President Donald Trump.
Speaking on Friday, the European politician referred to the possibility of Republican Presidential candidate becoming the next US president and said, "Then you will have an obviously irresponsible man sitting in a position that requires the utmost sense of responsibility," he says. "Trump is not just a problem for the EU, but for the whole world."
Several high ranking European officials have also expressed concern over a possible Trump presidency.
Trump's Pledge to Improve Ties with Russia worries EU
Donald Trump’s pledge to promote easing of tensions and improved relations with Russia is a statement that will mark a major shift in US foreign policy.
Speaking a few day ago at the televised Commander-in-Chief Forum hosted by NBC News, Trump said the Russian President Putin, who he has praised several times in the past, was a "far more" capable leader that U.S. President Barack Obama. He also defended Putin's leadership style, support for the Syrian president Bashar al Assad and the annexation of Crimea from Ukraine.
The comments ignited concern both in the US and Europe since Russia and its president are viewed negatively in both regions.
Putin's decision in 2014 to support Crimea's cessation from Ukraine and accession to Russia prompted the US and EU to impose economic sanctions on Russia which are still in place. US-led NATO military alliance has also deployed troops to the Baltic region and Eastern Europe to confront Russia.
Mainstream media outlets reflecting the thinking in official circles, reacted on Thursday to Trump's warm comments about Putin in disbelief and concerned over what would happen to ties with Europe should Trump clinch the presidency.
Trump war mongering worries Europe
Pundits believe Trump, if elected, will try to reassert US dominance by increasing military spending and starting a new arms race, thus increasing global tensions and worrying European leaders.
Speaking on Wednesday, Trump said US Navy sailors are waiting for a chance to engage with what he claimed are 'aggressive Iranian ships'.
Speaking to a crowd in Canton, Ohio, the Republican presidential nominee also blasted the Iranian nuclear agreement between Iran and six world powers. European countries, especially Germany, France and Britain invested heavily in this agreement and have been pushing for more trade pacts with Iran.
In a recent foreign policy speech, Trump declared that Obama has “depleted” our military, the Iran deal was the “worst agreement” and that we don’t support Israel. Trump “has said that he's a ‘commonsense conservative,’ who thinks the US has been given a raw deal by both allies and adversaries.
Trump’s foreign policy is based on getting a better deal from US allies. In Trump’s view of the transatlantic alliance, a better deal means European allies like Germany will have to pay for American protection. Apart from promising to mend fences with Vladimir Putin , Trump has also pointed out that he will leave NATO countries to “defend themselves” if they won’t meet the cost of their own defense. If implemented, this approach will bring down NATO common security guarantees and effectively lead to an end of post-War US foreign and security policy. Such an approach would alter the military structures in Europe and already the repercussions are being felt after France and Germany recently called for a Euro Army.
Even among European citizens, concern about a possible Trump presidency is growing. A poll released in June by Pew Research showed that Just 9% of Europeans surveyed have confidence in the presumptive Republican nominee to do the right thing in world affairs. Trump's rival, Hillary Clinton, earned much more positive marks among Europeans, with 59% saying they have confidence in the former secretary of state.
Hillary Clinton's foreign policy views are well known in Europe as she has been in national politics for more than 25 years and has a long record as first lady, senator, and secretary of state. Unlike Trump, she believes in putting constant pressure on Russia and strong support for European allies and working closely with NATO.
No doubt, Trump's presidency will present a major headache to Europe and a shock to a continent still recovering the Britain's exit from the EU.
