They had not seen each other since June and had much to say to each other after the hasty withdrawal of American forces from Kabul at the end of August or the conclusion, without prior notification, of a strategic alliance in the Indo- Pacific between the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom (Aukus) in mid-September.
On Tuesday 5 October, European heads of state and government had the opportunity, during a dinner at Brdo Castle, in Slovenia, on the eve of a summit devoted to the relationship with the countries of the Western Balkans, to come back to these episodes. And to have “A strategic discussion on the role of the Union on the international scene”, as indicated by the President of the Council, Charles Michel. The transatlantic relationship, which recent events damaged even before it had time to rebuild its health after the Trump years, was therefore at the heart of the discussions.
France’s partners were curious to hear what Emmanuel Macron, very upset after the Aukus affair, had to say. They showed their solidarity with Paris, “With a lot of sympathy”, according to the Dutch Prime Minister, Mark Rutte, but they were not all ready to distance themselves permanently from Washington and to renounce a transatlantic partnership, which remains fundamental for Poland, the Baltic and Scandinavian countries, as well as for Germany.
“One partner among others”
The French president wanted to avoid division, while again calling on his partners to “Lucidity”. He evoked “Choices that were made in Washington” which are not “Signs of consideration for France and Europe”. He continued: ” We have [avec les Etats-Unis] a story that’s bigger than us. I have a confidence nourished by history, but we need clarification, re-engagement in order to be able to move forward. “
On Monday, Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the Commission, spoke by phone with Joe Biden, at the latter’s request. Apparently keen to pledge after this summer’s hiccups, the US president called the EU a “Fundamental partner”, according to the White House.
In this context, the Twenty-Seven “Have learned lessons from recent crises”, said Charles Michel in his oral conclusions. And they did not tear themselves apart over the place to be given to the American partner. “Everyone more or less agrees that the United States is one partner among others, and that we must therefore strengthen the strategic autonomy of the EU”, confides a European source.
You have 50.25% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only.