EPG family photo | Image source: EU
The leaders of more than 40 European states met on Monday in the Armenian capital Yerevan for the European Political Community (EPG) summit. The focus was on the wars in Ukraine and Iran as well as the tense relationship with the USA under President Donald Trump. Prime Minister Brigitte Haas took part in the meeting on behalf of Liechtenstein.
Troop withdrawal and new tariffs
The tensions are caused by several recent decisions by Washington: Trump announced at the weekend that he would withdraw over 5,000 US soldiers from Germany. Originally there was only talk of 5,000 soldiers over a period of six to twelve months. In addition, contrary to previous plans, the USA should not station medium-range cruise missiles in Germany to defend against Russian attacks. Trump also announced new tariffs on European vehicles.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said in Yerevan that the announced troop withdrawal shows that the European pillar in NATO needs to be strengthened. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen once again called for arms production in Europe to be accelerated.
Rutte and Macron with different tones
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte tried to calm the situation. On the US side there was “a certain disappointment” with the behavior of the European states in the Iran war. But the Europeans “heard” Trump’s message, said Rutte.
French President Emmanuel Macron made a harsher statement: Europe needs “more independence in questions of defense and security”. Macron described the US military operation in the Strait of Hormuz announced by Trump as “unclear” and rejected European involvement in it.
