What does von der Leyen / Trump 'deal' say about EU?
The French and Germans don’t seem best pleased about what she’s done, and we can see why. There might be several theses or lines of thought on this.
- It’s easy to portray it as craven, but it’s solid realpolitik, and shows the EC** in a good light: their strategic priorities (bind USA into European defence / maintain support for Ukraine / stay on reasonable talking terms with Trump) were clear and they did the necessary in a decisive & fairly expeditious way.
- It’s an existential triumph for the EC qua bureaucracy-priesthood, not only on the basis of 1 above, but because von der Leyen’s people roundly ignored the national governments and have got clean away with it. German & French vetoes? They’re history.
- It’s a tactical triumph for those wily EC negotiators: their preferred stratagem is to grind down the other side by dragging negotiations out into endless detail / prevarication / cherry-picking / make-believe governance issues (see Brexit); but when faced with an emergency, they still came up with the goods. Knowing that Trump just lurves Big Numbers and of course Done Deals, they’ve “committed” to bizarre amounts of imports from the USA, and there isn’t a cat’s chance in Hell that these commitments can be honoured. But the Dumb Donald goes home with his triumph (his own people certainly ain’t gonna tell him he’s been suckered – and maybe he knows it anyway but just loves the immediate optics) and life carries on.
- It suits DE and FR to bellyache and blame von der Leyen, but they know there was little alternative, and have let her do the deed – & front for it. (But where, ultimately, does ‘strategic bellyaching’ lead? Surely, only an ever-growing Euroscepticism across the whole continent?)
Some of the above are perfectly mutually consistent. Any other views?
ND
______________
** I.e. the very real Brussels priesthood, not the abstract political entity known as the EU
Source: http://www.cityunslicker.co.uk/2025/08/what-does-von-der-leyen-trump-deal-say.html
Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.
"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world. Anyone can join. Anyone can contribute. Anyone can become informed about their world. "United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
LION'S MANE PRODUCT
Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules
Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, but it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.
Our Formula includes: Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity. Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins. Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system. Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome. Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function. Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules Today. Be 100% Satisfied or Receive a Full Money Back Guarantee. Order Yours Today by Following This Link.
| Visits: | 1,715,315,600 |
| Stories: | 8,466,136 |
Whistler Blowers, Insiders
