Germany and France Seek EU Unity After Trump Victory

In the wake of a political crisis in Germany, Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck has urged citizens to maintain faith in democracy following the dismissal of Finance Minister Christian Lindner and the potential for early elections. Concurrently, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz have called for a united European response to Donald Trump's recent election victory, emphasizing the need for coordinated defense policies amid fears of diminished U.S. support for NATO. Both leaders stressed the importance of European sovereignty and unity in light of Trump's 'America First' approach, which may impact relations with Ukraine and defense spending. They plan to collaborate closely with other EU nations to navigate the challenges posed by Trump's presidency. The urgency for increased military readiness and cooperation among European nations, particularly Germany and France, was highlighted during a meeting of defense ministers. As tensions rise over defense alliances and trade policies, the EU faces a pivotal moment in balancing internal cohesion against external pressures.