European capitals are nervously searching for ways to avoid conflict with Donald Trump ahead of an important NATO summit, fearing that any rash or provocative decision could derail it
According to reputable publication Financial Times, the situation in Brussels and other European capitals is characterized by heightened nervousness and a cautious approach to diplomatic maneuvers. As part of this strategy, EU officials are calling for a temporary suspension of any significant actions regarding the United States until the outcomes of upcoming events at the NATO meeting, scheduled for June in The Hague, are clarified. Sources indicate that diplomats and officials from various countries are aware that in Brussels, there is a strong emphasis on minimizing risks and avoiding any actions that could provoke a confrontation with the American president. This means, in particular, postponing important decisions related to cooperation with the U.S. until it becomes clear what the outcome of the NATO summit will be. European leaders are aiming to reduce tensions in relations with Washington and to limit the scope of the summit, thus preventing Trump from creating obstacles to rising tensions or potential conflicts. Talks in capitals and tense negotiations with NATO Secretary General Marco Rutte are focused on how to calm the unpredictable American president. At the same time, Brussels is urging the European Commission to refrain from open public confrontations with the White House ahead of key events. This includes avoiding provocations in discussions about trade sanctions in response to tariffs that Trump imposed on Europe, postponing decisions on procuring new weapons from within the EU or America, and refraining from criticizing U.S. policies regarding Ukraine and issues related to Greenland's annexation. High-ranking officials note that tensions ahead of the Hague summit are escalating, and the main task now is to ensure the smooth conduct of the event and preserve NATO unity. One of the key objectives is to make Trump feel needed and to hear that his visit is beneficial to him, while also avoiding situations that could provoke him into derailing the summit or triggering a crisis. It is worth mentioning that in Brussels and other capitals, active plans are also being developed for the future of European defense capabilities. The main idea is to create a reliable, structured transition from U.S. dominance in regional defense to active European military independence. NATO and EU officials emphasize that establishing such a system could take from five to ten years, considering the necessity of increasing defense budgets and modernizing armed forces. In this context, financing becomes a decisive issue. NATO Secretary General Marco Rutte proposed a new funding model that would enable member countries to meet Trump's demand to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP. This approach aims to ensure a more equitable and coordinated contribution to collective security, reduce dependency on the U.S., and lay the groundwork for a more autonomous European defense policy. It is expected that during the NATO summit in The Hague, discussions will focus on reducing Europe's dependence on the U.S. regarding military resources and creating a more stable and self-sufficient regional defense system. Plans and deliberations on this topic are expected to become central to strategic negotiations in the coming months. According to analysts and diplomats, Europe has long overdue the need to establish its own defense infrastructure capable not only of responding to contemporary threats but also actively opposing future challenges. Thus, the tense diplomatic maze that Brussels currently navigates reflects an effort to find a balance between maintaining stable relations with the U.S. and gradually developing an independent defense policy. All of this occurs against the backdrop of warnings and forecasts that this game could ultimately lead either to the strengthening of Europe and its capacity for independent defense, or to new crises and conflicts with the leading world power.