Carl Bildt, former prime minister of Sweden and co-chair of the European Council on Foreign Relations, shares his views on European politics from the Adriatic Sea. He talks about how Europe’s stance on Ukraine might change if Donald Trump becomes president again.
Bildt believes that while Europe’s basic support for Ukraine will stay the same, there might be a need to adjust the amount of financial help. If American support decreases under Trump, Europe will likely have to increase its own contributions to fill the gap.
Bildt also touches on Prime Minister Starmer’s “renewal plan” for Britain, noting that it is still in its early stages. He describes Starmer’s approach as potentially involving more interventionist economic policies.
While the plan aims to improve Britain’s relationship with Europe, Bildt suggests that significant changes are not expected immediately. The new policies might gradually influence Britain’s position and interactions with Europe, but dramatic transformations in the near term seem unlikely.
Overall, Bildt’s perspective underscores a continuity in Europe’s commitment to Ukraine despite possible changes in American policy. His analysis also reflects a cautious optimism about Starmer’s plans for Britain, highlighting the need for time to evaluate their full impact. The European response to shifting American priorities and internal British developments remains a dynamic and evolving situation.
Bildt provides a measured view of how European policies are likely to adapt in response to changes in global politics. His observations suggest that while European support for Ukraine is steadfast, the financial dimensions might need to adjust based on American actions. Similarly, Starmer’s plans for Britain signal potential shifts, but substantial changes are expected to unfold gradually rather than suddenly.