Trump's VP choice seen as 'disaster' for Europe, Ukraine: Politico

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
16 Jul 2024 23:16

A senior EU official described Vance's appointment as a "disaster" for Ukraine and the EU, both of which are heavily invested in funding the war with Russia.

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Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump appears with nice presidential candidate JD Vance, R-Ohio, during the Republican National Convention Monday, July 15, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

According to a Politico report, Europe is increasingly anxious about the potential implications of a second Donald Trump presidency, particularly with the recent announcement that he has selected Ohio Senator JD Vance as his running mate for the 2024 election.

Vance, known for his isolationist stance, has been a vocal critic of US financial support for Ukraine, which he argues places an undue burden on American taxpayers. The 39-year-old senator played a central role in the recent attempt to block additional Ukraine aid in the Senate and vowed to reevaluate foreign aid commitments.

A senior EU official described Vance's appointment as a "disaster" for Ukraine and the EU, both of which are heavily invested in funding the war with Russia. The official told Politico that Vance's influence could lead to significant reductions in US aid to Ukraine and undermine efforts to support Kiev.

Vance's economic protectionism also poses a challenge to Europe. Known for his advocacy of American manufacturing and support for tariffs on imports, Vance's policies could strain the transatlantic trade relationship. During a recent interview, Vance stressed the need for the US to focus on domestic production capabilities rather than prolonged foreign engagements, a stance that resonates with Trump's "America First" policy.

In February, at the Munich Security Conference, Vance skipped a key meeting with Ukrainian leaders, stating he did not expect to gain new insights from the discussion.

Vance's protectionist views extend to criticism of European countries, particularly Germany, for not meeting NATO defense spending targets, arguing that Europe must take greater responsibility for its own defense.

In announcing his selection of Vance, Trump praised his running mate's commitment to American workers and his successful business background. "JD has had a very successful career in Technology and Finance," Trump said, "and now, during the Campaign, will be strongly focused on the people he fought so brilliantly for, the American Workers and Farmers in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, Minnesota, and far beyond."

Vance has signaled a more aggressive approach to tariffs and trade policies, which could further complicate the EU's efforts to maintain stable economic relations with the US.

World gears up for potential Trump victory

With more than six months before the next US president takes office, NATO and its allies are implementing a multifaceted strategy to ensure a continuation of the Ukraine war, and maintain a unified alliance.

For instance, NATO has laid out a comprehensive plan to ensure sustained military support for Ukraine. The purpose of doing so is to avoid potential interference of a future Trump administration, as per a Politico report.

Likewise, in Ankara, Turkish officials are reviewing the Heritage Foundation's Project 2025 policy roadmap to glean insights into Trump's prospective policies, especially regarding Syria.

In the US, including in States such as Atlanta to Austin and Lincoln, Nebraska, senior ministers from Germany and Canada have engaged with Republican governors, in the aim of bolstering ties with conservative factions.

In Washington, the anticipated return of Trump is the primary focus of monthly breakfast gatherings attended by ambassadors from European nations. During one such meeting, a senior diplomat from one country queried his peers about the prudence of their current course of action.