PRAGUE – As European nations, it is important to learn from past mistakes and approach the new US President-elect Donald Trump with an open mind and a willingness to cooperate on issues of mutual interest, stated Lithuania’s defense minister in a recent interview.
With Trump known for his “contract approach” to international relations, the defense minister, Laurynas Kasciunas, highlighted areas where Europe and the new president could collaborate. These include increasing defense investments, European acquisition of American weapons, and working together to address common challenges such as containing China and Iran.
Reflecting on the last US presidential election, where Trump’s victory came as a surprise to many, Kasciunas pointed out that a moral barrier was built against him, which was not the right approach. He emphasized that it is important to have an open dialogue and not create a division between the US and Europe.
Kasciunas made these statements on the sidelines of a three-day gathering in Prague, where European and transatlantic military capabilities were the focus. During his first term as president from 2017 to 2021, Trump urged NATO’s European members to increase their defense spending to 2% of their GDP, and to be less reliant on the US military.
And, according to NATO’s latest reports, 23 member nations are expected to meet the 2% target this year, compared to just three a decade ago. Lithuania, in particular, has already surpassed this goal, committing to a defense budget of 4% of its GDP, which is more than that of the United States.
The increase in defense investments by European countries can be attributed to the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia in 2022. However, it is worth noting that many European countries also donated their own weapons to Ukraine, highlighting their continued dependence on the US for critical military capabilities.
Lithuania, a country that shares borders with Russia’s Kaliningrad exclave and Belarus, is the largest buyer of US arms among the three Baltic states. The defense minister also highlighted the importance of European Union sanctions on Iran, a topic that has been especially divisive in light of Russia’s actions towards Ukraine.
Despite these challenges, Kasciunas urged for continued military aid to Ukraine and stressed that Russia should not dictate the terms of peace. He warned against a limited ceasefire, stating that it would only allow Russian troops to regroup and strike again.
“What we need is a just and credible peace,” he said.
During his election campaign, Trump also made statements that could potentially have significant consequences for European nations. These include a possible trade war with the EU and a withdrawal of US commitments to NATO.
It is important for European nations to maintain a positive and cooperative relationship with the US, especially in these uncertain times. The partnership between Europe and the US has been a cornerstone of global stability and security, and it is crucial to continue working together to address current and future challenges.
In conclusion, instead of building walls, European nations should strive to build bridges with the new US administration. By working together and promoting open dialogue, we can overcome any differences and achieve common goals that will benefit both Europe and the United States. Let us not repeat the mistakes of the past but rather pave the way for a strong and cooperative future.
