Trump’s inauguration: Key priorities for U.S. and Europe
The fight against migration, economic recovery, ending the war in Ukraine, and resolving the conflict in the Middle East are among the main priorities announced by the elected President of the United States, Donald Trump, who is currently being inaugurated.
Trump’s inauguration is eagerly anticipated, though with some uncertainty in Europe, where many are wondering what his first measures and decisions regarding the Old Continent will be. In the context of the war in Ukraine and the growing Russian threat, it is clear that Europeans will continue to rely on U.S. support, with the guarantee of security remaining in Washington, as noted by Daniel Citirigă, Dean of the Faculty of History at the University of Constanța, during the "Zi de Zi" (Day-by-Day) program on Radio Moldova.
"For those in Eastern Europe, particularly in the West, there will be more intense discussions about the European Union establishing its own army if Donald Trump no longer supports NATO unity," Citirigă said. "Trump will, as he did during his first term, exert pressure for increased spending. However, during his first term, many didn’t take him seriously because the only issue was the illegal occupation of Crimea, and Europeans didn’t feel as directly threatened. Now, with the invasion of Ukraine, I believe the 3% defense spending target will be minimal for NATO countries, and Trump will likely push for it to be raised to 5%, with a significant portion of these funds earmarked for armament."
The United States will not accept a dishonorable peace for Ukraine, and if Russia refuses to compromise for peace, Trump will further arm Ukraine, Citirigă added. He emphasized that Trump was the one who allowed arms sales to Ukraine and, despite his seemingly cordial rhetoric with Vladimir Putin during his first term, ultimately took steps to strengthen Ukraine’s defenses.
Diplomatic relations with Europe, including with the Republic of Moldova, will be reset under Trump’s second administration, given the differences in political ideology and priorities, emphasized Igor Munteanu, the former Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova to the United States. He pointed out that in future peace negotiations for Ukraine, the American interest in a strategic partnership with Chișinău will remain viable.
"We need the United States' assistance, but I believe that all the tools created will be rethought, as President Trump will not continue the liberal internationalism of Democratic presidents such as Biden or Obama, under which the strategic dialogue between the Republic of Moldova and the United States was signed," Munteanu said. "We are on our own, and this will send very clear messages, which will be expected even by the political elites in Chișinău, including the president and the parties that consider themselves part of the European transformation project of the Republic of Moldova."
"I believe this will also influence the outcome of the peace talks, which is the main priority of President Trump: ending the war in Ukraine and finding a solution where both Russia and Ukraine must make concessions," Munteanu concluded.
It is worth noting that Donald Trump is taking the oath of office today, January 20, in Washington, as President of the United States. Over 200,000 people are expected to attend the ceremony. Trump has committed to signing a series of executive orders on topics ranging from border security to oil and gas production on his first day in office.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
