Translation by Mistral:
Title: Expel the United States from NATO
The most ridiculous statement recently made by Trump is that NATO should ensure Greenland becomes American. It seems this president fails to realise that he himself is the leader of NATO and that, if he gets his way, it would mean the end of the alliance. Whatever Trump’s motives, European NATO members must put a stop to his imperialism. A leader like this is of no use to NATO, so the now-former European allies should threaten to expel America from the alliance. I constantly hear the mantra that “we cannot do without America.” Nonsense. It is simply a matter of will.
American troops can easily be replaced by European ones. French and British nuclear weapons can take over the nuclear role of the Americans. With the help of Ukraine’s Delta system, linked to European satellite systems, we can also conduct major military operations independently. Advanced long-range weapons can now be developed jointly with Ukraine. The EU’s ReArm Europe programme is gaining momentum. In a few years, the most critical gaps in European defence will be filled.
Disastrous Consequences for US Power
If America is expelled from NATO, the damage to its global position would be catastrophic. Air bases like Ramstein and the headquarters in Stuttgart are essential for US operations in Africa and the Middle East. From Ramstein, drones are controlled worldwide. Moreover, relocating and rehousing American troops—80,000 to 100,000 soldiers and their families—and dismantling bases would be unaffordable even for the Americans.
If Greenland is seized and Trump goes further—perhaps targeting the militarily significant Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard—Europe must strike back economically.
The “nuclear option” the EU could deploy is the anti-coercion instrument, which could partially or fully deny the US access to the integrated European market. Less damaging measures include targeted sanctions, high import tariffs on American products, travel bans for US politicians and industrial leaders, drastically reducing dollar transactions, “Buy European” legislation, cracking down on US tech companies through the Digital Services Act and the Digital Markets Act, and rapidly reducing dependence on American LNG. The list is endless.
Brussels Must Take the Lead
Trump repeatedly claims he “holds all the cards.” But in his self-delusion, he overlooks Europe’s—better yet, the EU’s—power. If European countries recognise their strength and are willing to use it, they can act. Militarily, steps are already being taken in response to the Russian threat. Economically, Europe can speak with one voice when it comes to trade policy. Then, it is Brussels’ turn.
Jean-Claude Juncker, hailing from tiny Luxembourg, managed to put Trump in his place in 2018 when, as President of the European Commission, he countered Trump’s tariffs on European cars.
Quote: European leaders must not make deals but speak the language of power.
European leaders must adopt Juncker’s language of power. No “deals”—for Trump, that’s just a euphemism for capitulation. So, no negotiations, but a firm “no” to American land grabs, and making it clear to Trump what price he will pay for his aggression. We will pay a high price for standing up to him, but if we give in to Trump, we will ultimately pay an even higher one.
Rob de Wijk is Professor of International Relations and Security at Leiden University and founder of The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies (HCSS). He writes weekly on international affairs. Read his columns [here](link to original source).
The more offended this demented narcissistic fascist feels, the more unhinged he gets. He moved on Venezuela for a reason, as well. We definitely shouldn’t just watch this madness and do nothing. But if he sees that the rest of the kindergarten forms an alliance leaving him out, moreover, doing it against him, his fragile ego will shatter again, and he will start throwing mud at everyone.
Except what he has is not mud but the planet’s strongest army.