If getting the 27 Member States to align on EU values is difficult in the best of times it's about to get a whole lot harder. Already the European fabric had been frayed by Covid, Ukraine, the energy crisis and economic stasis; with Trump back in power, the bloc's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting European industry, and defending Ukraine, will be severely stretched.
If principles are understood to be inalienable, Trump will demand just how dearly we hold them. Will the challenge lead us to double down on our red lines or loosen our grip on pledges that once united us?
Caught between the superpowers of East and West, Europe has long struggled to strike its own path. Critics who charge the EU with sanctimony at the price of prosperity see Trump as the perfect premise to cut the red tape and kick-start ailing economies.
"Trump's re-election can hopefully have a positive impact and be a wake-up call for the EU," the head of Belgium's Chamber of Commerce told The Brussels Times. Whilst progressives look to the States in dismay, many businesses see opportunity and make a case for "softening" regulations to boost trade.
This is especially true among entrepreneurs, who highlight the reams of administration that stifle enterprise here whilst America harvests global talent. The US has nine trillion-dollar companies; Europe has none. "For companies, it has become very hard to comply with all the different EU regulations," the head of the Chamber insists.
To stimulate a Europe that can hold its own in a more hawkish geopolitical climate, the Chamber puts forward some key proposals: an industrial deal, stronger internal markets, and "a European Musk". Exactly who that could be he didn't say. Get the full interview here.
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1. ‘Unprecedented situation’: Fewer babies born in Brussels every year
Many Brussels residents are choosing not to have children out of fear of an "uncertain global context." Read more.
2. ‘We need a European Musk’: How Trump’s presidency will impact Belgian businesses
Trump's Presidency will pose numerous challenges but also offer several opportunities for Belgium – if the country acts fast enough to seize them. Read more.
3. Body found in Brussels canal
The body was found in the early hours of Monday. Read more.
4. Hungarian MEP caught in Brussels ‘orgy’ scandal vows comeback
"Nothing of a criminal nature happened," the former MEP said of the lockdown sex party that made headlines in November 2020. Read more.
5. Belgian public sector jobs increase while private sector stagnates
For the first time since 2020, the government is creating jobs while the private sector is losing them. Read more.
6. ‘I hope they get this right’ – Ukrainian Ambassador on Trump’s bid for peace
The Ukrainian Ambassador to the EU reflects on the war against Russia as Trump enters the White House and global politics undergoes enormous shifts. Read more.
7. Trump 2.0: America’s king to begin where he left off
It’s Blue Monday, and Donald Trump is entering the White House. What can we expect? Read more.
