Invited in mid-August to a roundtable organized by the television channel AlQahera News, I had the opportunity to debate a burning current topic: the positions of European heads of state facing President Donald Trump, within the framework of their efforts to guarantee continued aid to Ukraine.
AlQahera News: An Influential Channel in the Arab World
AlQahera News, a leading Egyptian television channel, benefits from broad geographic coverage, extending across the Middle East, North Africa, and part of Europe. With millions of regular viewers, it establishes itself as an essential platform for political debates and geopolitical analyses.
Heads of State Facing Trump: A Quest for Unity for Ukraine
During this roundtable, we explored the complex dynamics of meetings between European heads of state and President Trump. These discussions aimed to guarantee continued support for Ukraine, a crucial issue in the context of the ongoing war.
Among the most scrutinized positions, that of French President Emmanuel Macron particularly drew attention. Seeking leadership within the European coalition, Macron attempted to rally member countries around a common strategy. However, his efforts to take the lead of this coalition faced significant obstacles, notably internal divergences between member states and reluctance from some to follow his initiative.
Trump’s Strength and the Emergence of New Diplomatic Styles
President Trump, with his direct and often unpredictable approach, demonstrated an ability to impose his influence against a fragmented European coalition. His firm posture and skill in exploiting divisions between European member states highlighted the need for Europe to rethink its diplomatic strategies.
This situation hints at the emergence of new diplomatic styles, where bilateral negotiation and economic pressure play a central role. Trump managed to use these levers to strengthen the United States’ position while demanding increased financial commitments from European allies.
The Urgency of a Common European Front
Facing the Russian threat and the crucial importance of supporting Ukraine and its president, Volodymyr Zelensky, Europe finds itself at a strategic turning point. The war in Ukraine has revealed the flaws of a divided Europe, unable to speak with one voice on security and defense issues.
To counter these challenges, it becomes imperative for European leaders to create a common front, not only to guarantee continued aid to Ukraine, but also to assert their strategic autonomy against external pressures, whether they come from Washington or Moscow. A united European coalition could not only strengthen support for Ukraine, but also send a clear message of solidarity and resilience against global threats.
A Roundtable Rich in Perspectives
This roundtable, which took place in mid-August, helped highlight the challenges faced by world leaders in an international crisis context. The exchanges underscored the importance of strengthened cooperation between nations, while highlighting the tensions that hinder an effective collective response.
