From lame duck to Donald Duck!

Europe must stand strong!

US President Donald J. Trump addresses the Republican Governors Association meeting at the National Building Museum in Washington, DC, USA, 20 February 2025. | SHAWN THEW / POOL

Jason MoorePalma 21/02/2025 09:42

I always consider myself a proud European. Proud of Europe, our history, our culture and our people. Europe is not the European Union, it is a fine continent (and islands) with fine people. This week I was both sad and angry at how the old continent is being pushed around by the new Donald Trump administration.

First, we are lectured on free speech by the U.S. President, JD Vance (I think in Europe we have played a key role in ensuring free speech). Then we are told by Trump that despite a united effort on Ukraine, which has cost European nations billions, we would have nothing to do with the peace talks with Russia.

And finally we are told to spend more on defence because “Uncle Sam, was not a Sucker...” Would someone in Europe please tell Trump and company to take a run and jump and remind them of history.

And I would also like to remind them of that great speech (in a movie by Hugh Grant in Love Actually), I think it sums everything up. “ A friend who bullies us is no longer a friend. And since bullies only respond to strength, from now onward I will be prepared to be much stronger. And the President should be prepared for that. “ Fine words, I just wish that someone in Europe would say them and stand up for the old continent.

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5 comments

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Richard Pearson | 26 days ago

tranq tranquerAny thoughts about my query ? By the way, the Molotov-Ribbentrop pact should also hang heavy in our collective memory.

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Richard Pearson | 27 days ago

tranq tranquerI am not against NATO per se, but who and how is Europe going to raise the money to pay for this expansion, Spain, which contributes only 1.1% , in particular ?

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Nick Milligan | 29 days ago

What nonsense is that about free speech, when readers' comments to this very website are vetted and require "positive" status to be posted?. I apologise for having absolutely nothing positive to say about this article's quoting of scripted speech from a work of fiction. Sanctimonious hogwash!

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Morgan Williams | 30 days ago

Hear hear!

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tranq tranquer | 30 days ago

Correct Jason. Trump who is a masterclass when it comes to bullies only respects strength, especially when it is used to push people around. His whole life and so called business dealings are based on that premise. Europe does need to stand up, pay more, and be stronger. Not for Trump though he will take the credit, and be justified for once, but for Putin, another bully who only backs down when confronted with overwhelming force. A united Europe encompassing NATO with or without the US can and must demonstrate that force. The Munich Agreement 1938 is in our backyard and hangs heavy in our collective memory. Lest we forget.

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