The USA-EU Relationship is Broken - Here is Why

The USA and European Union have been allies since the Second World War. However, in recent years the relationship has not been as strong. Especially due to president Trumps criticism, Trade Wars and disagreement in Foreign Policy. In this video, we'll cover the history of EU-US relations, the state of EU-US relations today, and what we can expect in the future?
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Resources:
Source 1: Politico, All's not well in the Transatlantic Relationship
www.politico.eu/article/all-i...
Source 2: ECFR, Crisis of American Power
ecfr.eu/publication/the-crisi...
Source 3: France24, Germany First? Scholz accused of disloyalty by France and EU Partners
• Germany First? Scholz ...
Source 4: Firstpost, France Retaliates Against USA Inflation Reduction Act
• France Retaliates Agai...
Source 5: France24, EU meets facing Subsidy race with US in Trade Spat.
www.france24.com/en/live-news...
Source 6: Setting the Table, More than half a century of US-EU relations
www.europarl.europa.eu/RegDat...
Source 7: Politico, Inflation Reduction Act
www.politico.eu/article/vladi...
Source 8: ECFR, Popular Demand for Strong European Foreign Policy
ecfr.eu/publication/popular_d...
Source 9: Institut Montaigne, Europes concern about the US Inflation Reduction Act www.institutmontaigne.org/en/...
Source 10: European Commission Join Communciation EU-US Agenda commission.europa.eu/system/f...
Source 11: United States Backsliding Democracies List
www.washingtonpost.com/world/...

[@albevanhanoy]

Wholeheartedly agree. Too long have we relied on the US. It's time to actually build a Europe that can stand on its own.

[@benchoflemons398]

Yes, the US needs to dump Europe to the wayside. It’s time for them to make it on their own, no more of these post wwii subsidies

[@zhufortheimpaler4041]

well europe has been basicly forced to rely on the US by the USA after 1991 with CFE and 2+4 treaties. Those treaties crippled european and german defense capabilities.

[@projectw.a.a.p.f.t.a.d7762]

As a National Populists U.S. citizens, and one of millions hope to allie with other National Populists to create an alternative to some of the Globalist oligarchies and every permanent political within each of our nations.

[@albevanhanoy]

@@projectw.a.a.p.f.t.a.d7762 What the fuck has anything here to do with national populism? Nationalism is a threat to Europe. We need to unite, not divide.

[@Omidion]

Yeah but for that to happen, EU needs to recognize that there are other countries in Europe that are all their siblings and embrace them.

[@cryostratos5359]

As a Polish citizen, my view is that we, the Europeans, need to be powerful, so that we do not have to rely on others alone to defend ourselves, and so that we are a valuable ally. A worthy military ally is not supposed to be weak. Especially not when potential is undoubtedly there today.

[@luisferreira7194]

lol catholic russians

[@paul6160]

Zgadza się! Dlatego musimy zbudować jeszcze mur na granicy z Niemcami

[@jackf1841]

For this to become reality, the EU has to become a true Federal State.

[@karllarsen8797]

Well, to be strong, you need to spend lots of money on defense. Do you know what are the percentages of GDP that France, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden and so on have spent on defense every year since the collapse of the Berlin Wall? I am not American but I think Europeans must concede that President Trump was correct about 2 things: 1) Europe has failed to uphold its responsibility of spending at least 2% of their GDP on defense and have been free-loading on American taxpayers. 2) Germany was very irresponsible in letting itself becoming hostage to Putin's Russian gas by forging ahead with those Nordstream gas pipelines despite repeated American warnings of the risk.

[@cryostratos5359]

@@karllarsen8797 I am unsure about the spending part (you know that we were part of communist block), but I agree with these two points. It's not only Trump that said this. Thankfully my country was both 2% compliant and a huge critic of NS2.

[@HorrorSFManiac]

While I would love a strong, efficient, self-reliant EU, I don't think human beings can change enough for this to happen. The US doesn't think of just New York and LA as their territories and their interests and the other states as not being important, but that's kind of what happens in the EU. Each country looks out for its own interests at the cost of other countries. Romania was supposed to get into Schengen 5 years after joining the EU, but 16 years later we're still being kept out because of the various interests of other countries. Italy has been asking for help with migrants from Africa for forever, but the other EU members have not offered it the help that it needs. Even in your example, France wants an EU military power, but they want independence to create their own policies that are in favor of France, not in favor of the EU as a whole. And in Europe we're all tiny, weak countries compared to the US and China. What makes us strong is the EU. But unless the representatives of each country start thinking of all EU countries as theirs, I don't think the EU can ever be self-reliant, there will always be conflicts between member states, so we will continue to rely on other superpowers to solve our problems.

[@arielg.2681]

I feel you, Austria really spit on Romania's face.

[@Micha-qv5uf]

It's very sad how correct you are v_v'

[@youliahadzhidimova5260]

That's something we can work to change. The change is depressingly slow from the perspective a human lifespan, but that's just how it is. We'll be doing this for our children, not for ourselves.

[@chaseonfroy]

The solution is for Italy to let all the migrants in.

[@chriscosta9248]

I am in the US and I can tell you that this actually happened here a lot. Just not in the Federal level. You will definitely hear governors of different state saying we don't care what happens in you state etc. The difference is the federal government here actually has power over all states. In EU The EU parliament has limited powers for limited areas of interest.

[@cgt3704]

"We need to stop relying on others". Agreed

[@Keyboardje]

With that she actualy meant that those "others" are NOT reliable :D

[@socomxx]

@@Keyboardje Europeans need to make themselves reliable.

[@karllarsen8797]

@CGT, Who would not want to be independent of others? Much easier said than done.

[@Siranoxz]

The EU has to remain allies with the US, but the EU needs to build stronger militarily and Economically wise and be able to solve our own problems without any US/NATO reliance. The EU will have to accept The Balkans as part of the EU alongside Ukraine and Moldova. And strengthen these countries.

[@tomorrowneverdies567]

If Europe/the EU relies on its own army power, then it would probably need to increase spending to build up its army power. Who is going to pay for this?

[@Siranoxz]

@@tomorrowneverdies567 Likely the Tax payers. Who else would. Its like every nation building up its military budget.

[@tomorrowneverdies567]

@@Siranoxz this means a lot of more taxation, and an important portion of the (scarce) workforces of EU countries will have to be put to do army related work, and therefore this will lead to more poverty (a reduced GDP per capita). I see no reason why to prefer it, over what we have now, namely the US paying more than european countries.

[@Siranoxz]

@@tomorrowneverdies567 EU is not lacking in workforce lol, we have migrant workers all over Europe, and moving left and right. Not sure why you believe a reduction of workforce would affect the military, and where you get that estimate from in the first place. This was never the problem. The problem is that the EU never had a military budget to start building military assets and manpower.. I don´t care regardless why you see no reason for it, it is reasonable enough for Europe protect its own self interest and become less reliable on the US.

[@tomorrowneverdies567]

@@Siranoxz "we have migrant workers all over Europe"" - yes and this type of policy will ultimately destroy Europe as we knew it. ""Not sure why you believe a reduction of workforce would affect the military"" - if you take for example 40,000 people from their current jobs, to place them to do army work, then the workforce availability in the jobs they previously did, will decrease by 40,000, and therefore the amount of products and services they previously produced, will decrease. """ it is reasonable enough for Europe protect its own self interest"" - how does the EU protect its own interests by becoming poorer, by becoming less competitive, because of an increase in taxation, and the workforce change discussed above? I don't see any good in this. What do you aim to achieve even by having an EU army, or building up the european armies (with the cost discussed above)? I have no idea.

[@spectral-analysis]

Should Europe become more self-reliant? Yes. However, the Merkel clip is highly ironic, and I wonder whether European nations are making a similar mistake in trusting economic ties with Xi's China.

[@MrMarinus18]

That's also why Europe should maintain a close relationship with the US and pro-actively seek closer political relationships with China. We need to make sure we are not totally dependent on either one of them.

[@dnickaroo3574]

What a joke the EU has become - Biden destroyed NordStream Pipeline - the EU CAN DO NOTHING.

[@manipulatortrash]

​@@iclaudius9954 trading *is* about trust, transactions cant be done without it. " At least China has never in history went about creating war after war, using lie after lie to destroy every region around the world." This statement is just....wrong? China has *always* been an imperialist power ever since the days of the qin. Your statement about creating war after war is *also* wrong. It never started any eastern asian wars of its own volition, only in vietnam and the philipinnes. The fact remains that most eastern asian countries hate china because of its historical imperialism of their regions and how china treats them today. "European history was not so nice if you care to read it. ~ The Belgian and the Dutch used to cut Africans' hands off if they did not work hard enough. " Ah yes, because every european shares their history? Not that they are all independent countries with their own histories? Maybe *you* should read about Chinese history, they've been a monstrous imperial power since ancient times. Are we going to pretend china didnt try to "reclaim" ancient territory through the most brutal means possible: war? The whole western region of china is an example of imperialism and cutthroat uses of war, not much better than the US, maybe worse since it outright annexed them. Even today they mistreat minority populations and continue to discount the historical legitimacy of the peoples living there. Also remember Vietnam where the CCP and imperialist Mao Zedong tried to take it over after it refused to be their puppet. Their justification? Vietnam was our ancient territory, so therefore we can take it over!!!! In today's times, its the imperialization of the south china sea and its claims on taiwan when said CCP never controlled it even once. Give me a break. Imperialism is imperialism. I have no reason to believe any country is inherently good in any way. They're all going to have dirty laundry.

[@whodarboilebamnames3990]

From the future, it sure does seem like it.

[@derekwildstar85]

As a European citizen, I firmly believe that the alliance with the United States of America must be strengthened even more, but I believe that Europe must equip itself with a military organisation equal to that of the United States in order to have a more equal alliance and, in the same way, to allow the United States to be able to count more on an alliance with a militarily strong Europe. I believe it will take decades to do this, but in the long term that will be the direction.

[@realdragon]

Of course, just because we have allies that doesn't mean we can be weak on our own. We shouldn't rely on allies we should rely on ourselves. For example Poland was ally with France and GB but when Reich attacked our allies didn't do anything. We can't count on US to help us. And we can do European military because we did so much like Shengen zone, many project to improve life and straight up forcing biggest companies worldwide to change to protect customers. In whole EU from countries combined we have around million soldiers, this is number comparable to US, Russia and China (somehow they don't have much soldiers for their population). We would be major military force

[@derekwildstar85]

@@user-gi8gt2qp5s You are absolutely right, personally I fully understand the point of view of many Americans, however allow me to clarify a not insignificant aspect: It is very true that the United States has shouldered the costs of European defense for decades, but we would not be doing us a favor to ourselves if we did not admit that this has led the American war industry to be an almost absolute point of reference for the purchase of armaments (just think of the F35s and not least the HIMARS), at a time when Europe begins to heavily recondition its industrial apparatus by directing it towards the arms industries, billions of euros are being invested and certainly a substantial part of the European budget in buying arms will go to finance the European industries, one must ask: The large US arms lobbies are they prepared to accept something that will logically be taken for granted? You cannot expect Europe to set up industries and then finance "yours" by purchasing your armaments production, clearly a large part of the European financial flow will then have to be directed towards economically supporting its industrial apparatus and to a minimal extent that of the United States ( Certainly not as in the past). In short, we need to reflect that logically this will be inevitable, this is the path, more European military autonomy to lighten the burden of European defense on the United States, but at the same time accept that if Europe starts to "walk" (Start at least limp) on his feet many aspects will necessarily change logically. If I open an industry in Germany that produces weapons I have to support it and this can obviously be to the detriment of the American war industry. I understand that the American citizen cannot give a damn about his armaments industries and is more worried about healthcare and how to treat himself, but this aspect for the American economy is not of little importance. I agree with our overseas friends who complain about their constant defense of a Europe incapable of defending itself, but in terms of trade and leadership it is necessary to admit hands down that not all evils have a silver lining (Even for the United States in a certain sense it was convenient). I repeat: Everything can be done, but thinking that there is a one-way interest is the most profoundly wrong thing you can do. Do we Europeans need to change our approach to how the alliance has been well or badly managed up to now? It will be done, it is already being done (new armaments industries are opening in Germany and Poland and the same thing in other countries, obviously it is not the end, but a beginning) but the Americans must understand that not everything is as it seems, it's not that Europe is a burden for the United States, in the past the United States was fine with this for the reasons I explained, nor can Europe be the first trading partner in the world for the United States and be seen as a burden, you also need to know how to frame the interests of your country (As a European, I know that it is in Europe's interest to stand by the United States) . The Americans have a lot of reason when they accuse Europe of being too dependent on the United States for defense, but what worries me as a European is a position that is perhaps too isolationist on the part of the United States, a position that disadvantages us Europeans as much as the Americans themselves, we are deeply linked historically by trade and shared values ​​such as freedom and democracy, therefore: Let's take into account what needs to be done and what will have to change, let's do it, but American isolationism (if this is the path taken overseas) will make only the Putin's Russia and China "happy" , strategically weakening the two sides of the Atlantic and making the Pacific allies insecure, who will soon find themselves facing not Putin's Russia, but much worse. Isolating yourself is a luxury that I don't think it makes sense to afford with Russia, China and Iran watching us. Having said this (If you have had the opportunity and time to get to the end of reading my post) : The more united we are, the stronger we will be, the more stable the world will be and future wars will be avoided, the more disunited and weak we will be, the less resolute we will be, the more the world will fall into chaos. I send you my cordial greetings.

[@ottoneiii4353]

we need to have just one army, the peace in europe is too fragile, we need something strong in common

[@deepinthewoods8078]

Excellent analysis. I think the US will stay a strategic ally of the EU in the foreseeable future, but it's a good thing that the Europeans takes things in their own hands and avoid being too much dependent of other nations, like the US, Russia or China ...

[@guerreiro943]

Sadly it seems we have learned nothing from this war since we're still too reliant on China

[@deepinthewoods8078]

@@guerreiro943 With China it's easier said than done. With Russia things were easier as Europe imports mostly oil, gas and some metals and agricultural products from Russia, for which there are substitutes on the world market. But imports from China are much more diversified, and Europe is exporting a lot of stuff to China too. Cutting ties with China is basically impossible and would hurt Europe's exports too. A good start would be to create incentives to bring back industrial production to Europe...

[@khanhnguyen-tt3ff]

USA and EU relation basically summoned up as allied military and rival economically. I wont be surprise in two or three year once USA already finished pull their factory back to the north america Continent they will start imposing sanctions on all their economic rival. So the USA in the last 4 year is basically saying to EU you neither follow us or once we ready we will star sanction you like the rest of our rival

[@richinglion9894]

It was already said, that obeying a hypocrite-ruling-US'high-office-publicivil'servants as their mastermind who focused self interest and gain, back-stabbed puppet allies...EU must go with non-hypocrite-back-stabbing friendship. If EU fails now, then EU is a rudderlessship to sank... TruthSetsUsFreeAlways and GodBlessUsMoreWithTruthForever❇

[@majormoolah5056]

I do not think Macron has a protectionist vision for EU. Free trade is one of the pillars of the entire Union. He does believe in bringing manufacturing back to Europe, which is the grand vision, not protectionism for the sake of protectionism.

[@HJJ135]

France is a protectionist inside of EU, for example Polestar is banned in France because its logo looks a bit like Citroen.

[@majormoolah5056]

@@HJJ135 That is not protectionism :D Citroen sued Polestar about the logo... the French government has nothing to do with that

[@Cotswolds1913]

@@majormoolah5056 When it comes to agriculture let's be honest, France is protectionist.

[@DavidTothill]

Every video gets better, superb graphics also

[@EUMadeSimple]

Glad you like them!

[@submarino006]

Europe must be unified in a centralised country including at least its nowadays members, all the Balkans, UK, North Cyprus, Georgia, Ukraine and Moldova.

[@denzelklarenaar5883]

Well tell me how you can unite a continent with dozens of languages

[@submarino006]

@@denzelklarenaar5883 Look how many languages do India and China have. There just will be some lingua Franca, that could be English, Spanish, French, Latin or even an artificial one. There are some proposals over there.

[@denzelklarenaar5883]

@@submarino006 I could only see Esperanto work

[@submarino006]

@@denzelklarenaar5883 Who knows? This is something for our tomorrow. For the moment, we have to end with our issues affecting us. We must industrialise, create our army, make countries in northern Africa and western Asia to become dependent on us (a similar relationship to our today's relationship with the US) and fight menaces such as Islamism and the Authocracies of Belarus, China, Russia or Iran

[@tomorrowneverdies567]

What would that change?

[@toom2141]

It always bothers me that european countries are so dependent on the US. What is that? We are basically vassal states. I think one of the biggest problems is software and internet technology. In this field the US is an unbeatable No 1!

[@WissHH-]

Vassal state lmaoooo

[@belisarius2776]

He just said that most of Europe OPOSED the war in Iraq...if Europe is a Vassal they arent a good one

[@ougiz325]

@@WissHH- he just played too much stellaris or smth

[@zhufortheimpaler4041]

The european NATO Partners have been forced to rely on the USA for safety, due to the CFE Treaty (conventional forces in europe), wich was primarily negotiated between the USA and USSR after german reunification in 1991. This treaty limits european NATO armies sizes, stockpiles and capability, resulting in a more than 60% cut back of western european arsenals and army sizes in relation to pre 1991, while USA and Russia were left basicly untouched. The USA gave large secrurity guarantees in reverse to the european partners. In addition to that, the 2+4 treaty for the german reunification destroyed the Bundeswehr, requiring an additional 50% personnel cut back and other severe limitations on german military capabilities and arms industry capabilities.

[@Hardcore_Remixer]

@@belisarius2776 Europe opposed the war in Iraq? And what did they actually DO about that? The only difference between vasal states and Europe is that Europe has a say, even if it means little to nothing.

[@jamesharrison6569]

The Collapse of American banks has torn into global markets, with investors ripping up their forecasts for further rises in interest rates and dumping bank stocks around the world. I'm at a crossroads deciding if to liquidate my dipping 200k stock portfolio, what's the best way to take advantage of this bear market?

[@crantorbuttons4378]

@Vace Stevens I find your situation fascinating. Would you be willing to suggest a trusted advisor you've worked with?

[@crantorbuttons4378]

@Vace Stevens Thank you for this tip. It was easy to find your coach online. Did my due diligence on her before scheduling a phone call with her. She seems proficient considering her résumé

[@chickenfishhybrid44]

It's interesting how much you hear of the US being unreliable or a bad ally towards the US and how little you hear about the other way.

[@regarded9702]

because the US doesn't reply on Europe nearly as much as Europe relies on the US, so the US has less to worry/complain about

[@chickenfishhybrid44]

@Regarded fair point, lol. It's just funny because a lot of the complaints from people in the EU have undertones of "what do we get out of it anyway?!". Living in a world with the US as the global hedgemon is all they know, so they mistake the current state of the world and their position in it as just natural. Just like you have people who think they should become militarily independent from the US but at the same time would be opposed to increasing their own miltary spending if it required any sacrifice from them.

[@Medicine91]

The E 🧀U has been freeloading for decades

[@zhufortheimpaler4041]

@@Medicine91 thats bullshit. The european NATO Partners have been forced to rely on the USA for safety, due to the CFE Treaty (conventional forces in europe), wich was primarily negotiated between the USA and USSR after german reunification in 1991. This treaty limits european NATO armies sizes, stockpiles and capability, resulting in a more than 60% cut back of western european arsenals and army sizes in relation to pre 1991, while USA and Russia were left basicly untouched. The USA gave large secrurity guarantees in reverse to the european partners. In addition to that, the 2+4 treaty for the german reunification destroyed the Bundeswehr, requiring an additional 50% personnel cut back and other severe limitations on german military capabilities and arms industry capabilities. And now the US does not wish to uphold its security guarantees for europe

[@hunterjohnson6849]

​@@zhufortheimpaler4041oh no the countries that caused both world wars had to scale back their militaries?!?! Oh the horror!!! But seriously if europe couldve gotten their shit together and not caused back to back worls wars, then dragged the us into those wars, they wouldnt have had their militaries restricted. And even now only a handfull of European nato nations hit the 2% gdp defense spending that is required

[@paulolukeny5736]

As an EU national, I would like Europe to be able to stand on its own militarily and economically, I also find it important to decentralize whatever dependence we may have on China, especially regarding the rare earth elements. But we need also to build a stronger relationship with the US, they should be our partner número uno wherever possible.

[@jpgunman0708]

It's extremely difficult to maintain a stronger relationship with the US and reduce the reliance.Think about it:if you were an American,would you be happy when your firend reduces your profit but wanna have a stronger relationship with you?

[@Dbenzsanz]

And keep on being lapdogs ???

[@Keyboardje]

@@jpgunman0708 And how would you feel if someone who is saying he is your friend, then bombs your gaspipes in order to profit billions by selling you their gas instead?

[@mandirigma8017]

Is trading a bad thing?

[@jpgunman0708]

@@Keyboardje yes,in some cases,the US is more dangerous,,,,

[@curtiswfranks]

I am a U.S. American. I wish that we could get along and rely on one another. But the EU's perspective here is right. You cannot rely on us. In fact, we cannot rely on us. Some of us wish that some outside force would rescue us from the rest of our country. We are a backsliding democracy. We are a hegemon which does not want its responsibilities. We have betrayed any trust in us. The EU needs to do what it needs to do. I wish that we would work alongside the EU as equal and devoted partners, but the EU cannot rely on that wish. I do like the Inflation Reduction Act and think that it will ultimately be good for the planet, and maybe even therefore welcome the trade war where the objective is to be the most green, but I understand the EU's annoyance and fears, especially for the single market. My ultimate wish is for the EU, NATO, and Can-U.S.-Mex trade zone to eventually merge into a yet higher supranational organization.

[@curtiswfranks]

Somewhat incidental: I have been rereading the Federalist Papers. A lot of the arguments which were raised in them in favor of the U.S. adopting its current Constitution (as originally written) and transitioning away from the Articles of Confederation apply now to the EU, particularly the unanimity or supermajority requirements for legislative actions. The analogy is not perfect, of course, but there are moments when the similiarities strike me.

[@paul1979uk2000]

I think the EU and US needs closer relations with a rising China growing all the time, the EU and US still stands for western values and to protect those, they need to stick together. As for the US Inflation Reduction Act, I kinda hope the EU does its own, being as a lot of this money is going towards renewable energy and battery tech, it will help to kill the fossil industry sooner rather than later. The problem is, even thought the EU and US can afford to do this, a lot of countries around the world can't and there is a risk that some of these countries could turn away from the west and towards the likes of China if the EU and US becomes more protectionist. Personally, I think where the US got it wrong on this is that they should have subsidized the money but keep it open for all companies around the world that are pushing for clean energy sources, there would have been far less of an issue than and the big cash injection would still go to the areas needed. In any case, I think the EU and US are going to have to get a lot closer in the future because like it or not, China is here to stay and are likely going to be a lot bigger in the future, I can't see how the EU or the US on its own can stand up to them, but both together, whiles keeping like-minded nations onside, likely can, but the sad truth is, the US is its own problem with its own political instability and being very defensive with the rise of China as a power, that longer term could do the US a lot more harm if they push friends away.

[@curtiswfranks]

@@andreasgregorfrank9057: For each food, I would like to have the strictest of our relevant standards.

[@curtiswfranks]

@@andreasgregorfrank9057: I agree with you. That is why I would want the strictest of the hypothetical member organizations' quality and safety standards to apply. Those usually would be the EU's, I expect, but there might be rare occasions in which the U.S. is more stringent or is at least complementary to the EU, thereby improving the quality for everyone. Earlier, when I said "our" in "strictest of our standards", I meant the inclusion of the U.S., EU, and the other member organizations/states (such as Canada, Mexico, and the UK) to the union which I envision.

[@curtiswfranks]

@@paul1979uk2000: I think that you and I are pretty much in perfect agreement on everything that you said.

[@madixjensen7070]

As a US citizen i look up to Europe as what America could achieve if we didn't let stupid stuff like the current culture war take priority. I also believe that even though the EU should be more self reliant from US spending. despite all of that both continents should do are best to keep good relations and unite for a better world for freedom and democracy.

[@heidirothbart6254]

US freedom and democracy = what an oxymoron!

[@davidurban7346]

Europe is a different beast. The United States is essentially made up of 50 different countries. Yet they aren't different countries. The United States existed before many States existed. In Europe its the opposite.

[@yimhappy]

Agreed. "The West" is stronger together. It means something to the rest of the world, or there wouldn't be so many immigrants wanting in.

[@whodarboilebamnames3990]

Europe is vastly worse of then the States and Canada bar a few countries. Let's not look towards dysfunctional nanny states as what we want.

[@nutmaster7794]

EU is America's biggest competitor

[@brianb5543]

American here. I'm an isolationist, which isn't that popular. Non-interventionalism is gaining support. The US has been asking Europe to do more for its own defense since 2014, with Obama at a NATO summit. But he was ignored. Trump was literally laughed at for saying the same thing just more rudely. Now it would take a decade from this date forward for any country in Europe to be able to fend for itself. Even France ran out of ballistic missiles against Libya in a few weeks. With cheap energy from Russia gone and the looming global fertilizer shortage. It may be too late for Europe.

[@MMOfreakOUT1]

And why were in you Libya again? I wish we could send all the refugees we got in Europe to USA. It's time for you to deal with them.

[@user-vj8bq1pe4e]

A Russian boy comes to his father. He asks why in all the movies aliens attack America? Dad replies: you see, son, the aliens are kind and want to help us!

[@CIutchX]

The EU needs the US while also withdraw itself from China with time. You made a video of the EU being too dependend on China. This needs to change. We were dependend on Russian gas and look what it got us to. Being too reliant on the US ain't the way either, the EU needs to finally act like a real ally.

[@hunterjohnson6849]

Funnily enough when trump told a bunch of european leaders like merkel that they were too dependent in russian energy back in like 2018 or so they all laughed at him. Not so funny now though

[@paul1979uk2000]

Personally, I think the EU could play it neutral on China, unless China becomes more hostile around the world, the US has it's own motives when it comes to China and it's mainly because they see China as a threat to US power around the world, a lot of Europeans have a different view on that as this video pointed on and it's not just Europeans but a lot around the world don't see China in the same way the US does. But in any case, the EU countries need to integrate a lot more, pool resources together in key areas like the military, whiles also still being on friendly terms with the US.

[@Kim-J312]

Agree here as well. EU became dependent on russian gas like a Crack addict I blame Merkel for a large portion of this. She and others in EU trying to convince and blackmailed EU countries , as if to say no no russia is our friend now and can be trusted 100%. Russia is not a failing democracy, it never was a democracy obviously a dictatorship/autocracy/kleptocrat turned even worse in Feb 2022. It seemed like EU to dependent on some bad actors is an understatement the worst ones China and Russia. Yes us in US trade with China too and we in US rather buy American and wish US wasnt so dependenton China . Then their is Turkey who always gets aways playing 2 or 3 side of fence with dictatorship like qualities. They need to held accountable for their actions , they act like traitors then your friend. I agree Trump was our disastrous president that caused damage and was dangerous for us in US and allies. I do not think a single sitting president should have single means of removing us from NATO with a signature. I do think countries need to pay their fair share of GDP to be in NATO. As we see what has happened to Ukraine, as NATO countries looked to see what weapons are in storage ... what a disastrous EU/NATO countries have. It's great to see great leadership when it comes to military from Poland 👍, Finland 👍, Sweden 👍, Czech &Slovakia 👍👍 and of course the Baltics 👍😁. Who we thought was the leader Germany, fell on its face and too busy trying to make deals with russia & China. Frances Macron going to talk to putin 9 times for peace deal. Some of them mentioned have "I want my cheap gas back face on" no matter what a bloody genocidal country russia is. When US throws out warning signals to Germany , France and say be careful, well get called bullies. While Sholtz is off to talk to Xi of China to sell them a seaport ON German land. Geesh! China has many human right abuses and no democratic values .I think when it comes to alliances and trade deals it should be between countries of same values and trusted governments. Can't do deals or get countries invested with countries that have oil or minerals on one hand and commit crimes with the other hand. Eventually you will become a victim as well , or will be blackmailed into it. Then ask US or UK ect ( larger countries) and ask for help or bail out. Because you were warned from the beginning of what kind of countries you choose to do business with. I don't see how any country could buy weapons or ammo from countries like Switzerland or Germany, no one wants to buy it , IF you have ask permission to use it. Most ridiculous statements I've heard 2022. Switzerland should realize that if they remain neutral means you are agreeable to many crimes being committed is neglect is also a crime.

[@Dbenzsanz]

Got to buying gas at triple the price from the US. This war was America's intention all along.

[@drscopeify]

@@paul1979uk2000 EU cannot be neutral on China becasue it threatens Democratic and free nations. By taking over Taiwan it splits Korea and Japan from the allies this is why China wants Taiwan to split apart the allies. This is like Russia taking over the Souvlaki gap. With Korea and Japan isolated they are easy targets for the next step of invasion. Xi himself said that after Taiwan that Japan will be their focus so the story does not end with Taiwan. We can stand together for Democratic nations or let the fall.

[@curtiswfranks]

U.S. viewer here: Everything which you said about losing trust in the U.S. electoral system, being worried about flip-flopping policy, being pessimistic about the state of democracy in the U.S., etc. is true for me as well. Those opinions are dead correct. While I would like us to work together, and we can, the EU should not rely on the U.S. We have a lot of self-work to do first, but we are not doing it. I have said it in your video comments elsewhere, but I would rather have a trade war over green energy than not be making any progress toward the conversion. It may not be the most-efficient way of going about things, and we should try to not undermine eachother, but it is ultimately a good thing for the planet. If we had a free-trade agreement between us, then that would help too. Also, if we were to form a union of any sort between us, then we can ensure and share our collective hegemony. I also think that working toward an ever-more-unified heirarchical world order under the UN or something like it is ultimately inevitable for human civilization (if we last long enough) and good for humanity. So, while I am not a huge fan of the Chinese political system, China's rise (and perhaps our reaction to it) is probably a good thing overall and in the long-run. Certainly, China is responsible for a huge increase in human prosperity in historical terms.

[@ravimenon5255]

It is time for EU to stand on its own feet without blindly following what US orders them to do under the NATO umbrella. They must establish their own defence system as they are capable of defending themselves

[@bjarkerugsted7539]

everyone rely on each other when it comes to the great centers of power

[@artursbondars7789]

I don't know, if I can fully agree with this. In Baltic countries we have a really good transatlantic relations. I'd say that the realtion between countries in EU East and West are really broken. As one high Latvian politician sad: " In Europe we had the best relationship with Germany. Now there is no relations at all, we can speak of. It's close to zero, maybe it's going down even in minus." He sad something like this and many in Latvia feel the same, and this goes beyond Germany and can be applied to other Western European countries to. The actions of these countries in past three decades and especially in last year's really damaged our relations and I don't know if all thous relationships can be fixed so soon or at all.

[@Texo333]

The usa is just using the eatern european countries to Profit. Each baltic country has their "Protector" with Germany defending lithuania and i think but not sure thr uk latvia etc. You cant rely on the usa. Look to trump who saw us as the bad guys. The usa will throw you all under the Bus when they no longer need you. Mark my words. They are in Europe so they can strenghen their power and influence over the world. I am not saying that this is really bad i am saying that the usa is not the best choice. Who is always in Europa and who is always a major power in Europe? France, germany and the Uk. Not the usa. Who trades Most in europe? The EU countries. Being independent in europe makes life easier. 1. A Block is stronger 2. We could stay out of a trade war or even a real war between China and the usa and 3. We dont know what president will be next and if its a Trump Well than we have lost. The usa is and will remain a big and important Partner but not more. We as europeans need to establish a base were we are talking on the same Level. Talking about defence its safe to say russia wont attack Nato countries as they are struggling in Ukraine and just have a Look at Afghanistan were even with Biden a pro europe president - we as the europeans were left out and had no say in it. We are left stranded there. Thats not what someone can rely on.

[@artursbondars7789]

@@Texo333 I don't know what kind of rubbish news or propoganda You are watching, but each country decides for themselves, what is best. Actually we had good relations with US, when Trump was in power. We know that at the end we can't trust most of our allies and partners, when end comes we will be standing alone tall. Will there be anyone standing besides, only time will tell. Actually we aren't relaying on anyone to save or protect us, we have "total defence strategy" in place here. But events of past years, clearly showed wich partners can be trusted and wich can be discarded. When Russia attacked Ukraine, 4 hours later additional US soldiers and military equipment landed on our soil in Latvia, to symbolically reinsure us. Of course there is issues with US to, but till know, they are the best we have. France and Germany are joke, most politicans and Latvian society in general are sick and tired of such unreliable relations. We aren't afraid of Russia for that matter either. But Russia is our immediate issue, all other comes secondary.

[@Texo333]

@@artursbondars7789 well than try getting money from the usa instead of the EU

[@artursbondars7789]

@@Texo333 No one in EU gives money away just for nothing. There are procedures in place etc. Also in past West Europe did receive substantial US aide. And this is nothing to do with money in first place.

[@artursbondars7789]

@@dagerry Situation now is bit better, with our European friends or so. But at the start of this year and years ago, it looked like many European countries did not care wat was happening in Europe's East. So we had to look for reliable friends elsewhere. Also we have our experience from past, when Baltic countries where left alone to face and dismantle Soviet Union. So to damage trust You don't need to do much. Yes, Germany are now sending some troops to Lithuania, but they and other European countries still don't think seriously about their own defense and military, so they would be of little help if at all. And we as a nation, not one of the biggest, but we do not fear Russia and other authoritarian states and will meet them with our guns rised, if they will ever think to cross or border or irritate us even more, with their silly hybrid attacks.

[@moritzszyslak]

I think the EU, if it wants to be a strong world power, has to unite into a single country

[@tomorrowneverdies567]

What will change?

[@willpower8894]

Not a priority

[@benchoflemons398]

And I want to be a multi billionaire

[@nyko921]

Definitely, the sooner that will happen, the better

[@emailvinz]

@Will Power I disagree: Uniting into a single country is an absolute priority, because without a federal government, we'll never have a European army (all individual countries have different interests to defend, France is alone in Africa, helped a little be Germany and UK, Poland is alone defending the East. All of us with totally different materials, tanks, planes, etc. This is not efficient), to bypass all the differences, we need to unite, otherwise a common defense will not happen.

[@animatedhistoryinlego2795]

I'm an American myself but always loved Europe, especially France, Romania, and Finland. i think the EU needs to organize everything it has to become a global power Long Live Europe

[@trainzuvthought]

As an American who lived in 3 European countries, including one that was behind the Iron Curtain, since before the EU was formed until a decade ago, I can't put into a few words what I've on my mind since watching this video. Just today I read an article revealing that when Obama became president in 2008, Bush warned him in a written memo: “Russia will exploit Europe’s dependence on Russian energy” and use political means “to drive wedges between the United States and Europe.” Russia later invaded Crimea and has since then furthered this effort by helping get Trump elected, who tried to weaken NATO. Biden brought NATO back to life after Putin invaded Ukraine but the very real fear of Trump (or someone like him) returning to power is deeply worrisome to most Americans as well. Yet, this goes far deeper than the weakening of democracy in the US alone. What about Italy, Sweden, Hungary and Poland? Le Pen had by far her best showing in the most recent French election. And Europeans prefer to do business with China, which has no democracy to backslide on? Might that just cause another dangerous dependency, such as on Russian fossil fuels? Ironically, Trump berated Europe for not paying its fair share of NATO's military forces. The US military budget dwarfs any other, as well as domestic spending that leaves Americans without such social benefits that Europeans may take for granted, such as affordable healthcare for everyone or obtaining a higher education without becoming bankrupted before one's adult life begins. I wonder what might be the political implications of Europe going alone militarily. How will it be funded? Further, it was the powerful US manufacturing base and healthy middle and working class that Europe envied after WWII, when the US also invested heavily in the rebuilding of Europe with the Marshall Plan. That base was later decimated as corporations exported manufacturing abroad, which also helped elect Trump, whose faux right-wing populist appeal was to bring jobs home. Ironically, it is Biden who is now doing so and for good reason, which may be the very thing that keeps Trump or a Trump clone out of the White House! With that said, in my view, the very real and urgent issue is those who care for the survival of democracy to recognize what is happening, on a global scale, as also just recently occurred in Brazil and that mutual cooperation now is crucial, especially concerning climate change investments. To do otherwise plays right into the hands of Putin, Trump and their ilk.

[@rain-cy6ve]

I think US and EU will remain allies definietly, but as an European I personally doubts it s good to be so reliable on the US for military porpouses. Most of Europeans, myself included dont really see the US s democracy as a model to follow or aspire to. Is it even a democracy if only 2 parties can ever win? And those 2 are also all rather to the extremes as well? Might be a democracy but a heavily broken one. I think the EU needs to not be dependent solely on the fact the US is not very reliable and it s not, for a lot of us, a model to follow. As for the military spending I believe that will just increase taxation. Europe combined already has a 3.7 million manpower in our armies. The only issues would be to create a standard equipment for everybody and well to unify those armies under a single command.

[@trainzuvthought]

@@rain-cy6ve I don't disagree with you at all concerning the US having lost any claim on being a leading world democracy. All I'm saying is that in the final analysis, both the US and Europe are also being confronted with the same enemies, in a mortal assault on democracies. Biden has worked hard in a treacherous circumstance that he inherited to rebuild and maintain a healthy relationship with Europe and NATO, whereas Trump aims to undermine it, and that this is what Putin aims for. As is, the US is investing heavily in Ukraine to preserve its democracy, for fear that its loss could spread further, whereas many who support Trump wish to abandon Ukraine and what might the consequences be to Europe? Hence, Europe is unquestionably in a very difficult predicament but the last thing to be worried about is becoming infected by the US' own dysfunctional democracy. What we BOTH have to worry about is FASCISM! All I'm saying is that at this critical time, those who wish to preserve their own democracies need to main a strong relationship with Biden, as long as he remains president, even more so should he run for reelection or with any other Democrat who replaces him! United we stand, divided we fall!

[@simon990055]

Europa needs NATO.. not a EU Army.. to put it simple.. look at small nations like DK with a boarder up to Russia via Bornholm in eastern sea and that Khaleningrad area

[@simon990055]

Plus losing My birth nation DK makes land invasion of US via Greenland and Canada possible and the USA loses the Danish Strait to watch russians subs and thats probaly 1 reason Trump and other US presidents have tried to buy Greenland lets be honest and Greenland is why USA have to commit more to Denmark than others in EU and the Danish Strait.. without Denmark.. you wont track russian subs.. aka why Denmark, Norway and sweeden is crucial = Danish Strait.. but Denmark has the ,,Ace" called Greenland

[@hellascommentor]

@@simon990055 NATO needs two armies; the US and EU army plus any 3rd country. This is way more effective than 31 armies trying to coordinate in time of crisis. What you say about DK is actually in favor of EU army. Netherlands and Germany operate and share costs of some weapons together. Same between Belgium and Netherlands. Imagine your F-35A need an instant refuel as there are many non-friendly aircraft close to your borders, a German or French tanker would be handy if there is integration. German, Spanish or Italian units could be already deployed where is the EU border and not far away in their home bases. Same for the south-eastern territories of the EU which you would not care/be aware of possible aggressors by just saying "ok we have NATO for everything".

[@stephencomer9276]

I predicted this was coming when Britain left the EU there's always a bigger plan than the one that is being played out,the commonwealth countries and the US will eventually become a trading bloc and from there other trade routes will open to countries who wish to do business without being tied into some unelected committee who dictates what you can and cannot do.

[@aj1_rad]

You didn't predict shit. EU is more important to US than UK will ever be. Do you want to know why? It''s simple. The EU has a lot more money than the UK.

[@hellascommentor]

Here we go again with people who believe that Brussels is a bureocratic monster and London is not ... :P The European Committee is apointed by the 27 (28 with UK in the past) member states and voted by the European Parliament who is 100% elected. If the EU goes for more integration, the European Committee will be voted by the voters too. Have you voted directly for May, Truss or Shunak? Currently, the UK is more easily manipulated by other powers than the EU. Cheers!

[@innov4u]

​@@hellascommentor 6:57

[@ncuco]

Being Portuguese (raised since 9), born in USA, and living in Poland since August. I agree with all of the above :) - Europeans have a growing mistrust towrds USA - Americans are more vocal about being America centric since trump - Poland loves america (& *friends* tv show)

[@guerreiro943]

As a Portuguese living in Portugal, I agree with all of the above.

[@ferdinandvs.benedictvs]

What? hahahaha You don't know what you are

[@Dbenzsanz]

It's sad that America is using emotional Blackmail to get what it wants. Also they forget that it's the time for Asia to grow. Selfishness and Greed will be America downfall.

[@marcspace5144]

As an Ex European from Belgium (most worse shithole on the planet🌍) I understand that Europe is over .... they always sold their soul to the Jewish-USA system 💩💩💩

[@ramoncastaneda8432]

@@Dbenzsanz why do you guys think you are entitled to us industries?

[@ShadowSkryba]

I am Polish. My perspective is that Europeans within their own nations need to be capable of sustaining their own militaries and economies via consensus but nevertheless a bond with the USA is extremely beneficial and can be ideologically justified as well, for liberty and human rights. We should therefore avoid tying ourselves to the totalitarian CCP and work together with those who share our ideals while excersising some level of practicality to contain or convert ideological enemies of greatest danger.

[@ramoncastaneda8432]

As an American we need to pull out of Europe , I'm quite sick of Europeans taking our security for granted.

[@MrMarinus18]

I actually wonder how close the US' values truly are to ours with just how extremely right wing they have become. While China also does a lot of evil stuff both Europe and America do as well and while their methods are too extreme I think the idea of social harmony of the Chinese is something Europe needs to adopt as well. I think it's dangerous for Europe to be dependent on either one and so we should try to maintain good relationships with both and play them off against each other so that Europe can make their own decisions. I don't see Chinese totalitarianism as a great danger for Europe and China has shown to not be very interested in expanding their economic or political model. The US though has been forcing neo-liberalism and right wing dictatorships onto countries for decades and right wing extremism is the biggest threat to the EU. I think the American ideal of freedom has gone too far and has gone into Freedom from consequences and accountability. Europe should take a page from both to focus on the correct balance of freedom and social harmony. Europe has been drifting more and more to the political left as America has drifted further and further to the political right. I would want to see the European leftward shift continue and be for democracy, promote cooperative corporations, freedom, economic regulation and social progress.

[@MrMarinus18]

As a Dutch I feel Europe should have a coordinated but still segregated military. However it should have a strictly defensive military and use economic influence and political ideology instead. China is also being quite similar as their actual offensive force is quite small and the vast majority of their massive military is defensive.

[@ShadowSkryba]

@@MrMarinus18 I can say for a fact that Americans are tens of times closer to us than the CCP. America has done slavery and killed natives, but they accept that it's wrong now, while the there is literally genocide happening in China as we speak and they do not plan on stopping. It is regretable that the US overthrowed socialist-leaning countries during the cold war, but it was seen as an absolute neccesity to prevent the victory of the state whose leadership and ideology (I'm specifically reffering to authoritiarian socialism) caused the deaths of milions and was the anti-thesis to the very bedrock of what they deem as God-given/natural rights. They definetly went overboard but in the hectic state od the cold war, I can see why they did those things nevertheless. Of course we can't be addicted to either one, but to me that doesn't mean treating them roughly equally and it doesn't neccesiate some greater legal integration, more ideological. Also I call bs on America becoming definetly more right wing, however you may define it, unless it is somehow protectionsim. Support for gay marriage keeps rising for example, and the abortion ruling only fanned the flames of pro-choice, hence why there was no red wave.

[@ShadowSkryba]

@@MrMarinus18 I somewhat agree. If there is another Yugoslavia-like situation and we are capable of easily stopping it without it turning into Iraq, then it is worth considering, but not the initial response. And on China, it should not be our goal to destroy China, but make it so that its citizenry has access to human rights, which will most likely involve cutting away their influence, as clearly trade didn't prove itself to be the ideal redeemer, even if it is/was better than under Mao.

[@georgforster8114]

Good video

[@Subher0]

I agree, to an extent. I think we should stand on our own, also militarily. Sadly. this requires European nations being united. If we can't even form a European military and aren't even prepared to do the necessary military spending, how are we going to divorce ourselves from the protection of the US? Let's unite Europe first before we talk of standing on our own.

[@ffffffff936]

The EU must have its own army and must be more united. I think the EU should add other members to the union such as Turkey, the Balkans, Ukraine, Moldova, Norway, Iceland and I think the UK should return. From what I can see, Brexit was not such a good idea.

[@Siranoxz]

I would skip Turkey and the UK.. The UK has to understand true meaning of returning to the EU and not play dumb politics by pulling out again.

[@Real_MrDev]

Turkey must fix both corruption and democracy, Ukraine must fix both her corruption and... Russia, Norway is just basically already in the EU same goes for Iceland, Moldova must fix corruption and the Trasnisria, the Balkans must fix corruption problems. The UK must be punished if she wishes to rejoin (unluckily) or alliance itself with the Union, otherwise ot creates a precedent and it could lead to further division is the Union. All have then still have to fix and/or alliance laws with the EU core pillars. Serbia has a long way to go. Overall I agree with you.

[@derdude6214]

Turkey needs to evolve into a free democracy first or else we will face a second Orban blocking every kind of progress within the Union.

[@Micha-qv5uf]

Turkey is kind of a corrupt dictatorship, the Balkans are corrupt and poor and also hate each other. There still is an unresolved conflict. Ukraine is in a war. Moldova is very unstable atm. Norway voted against EU membership. Iceland is only 300k people. The Uk will probably fall apart before it rejoins the EU.

[@ian2183]

No lol. 🤣 The EU should and will die! Do what you want but not with my country (Bulgaria) All we've seen is how the EU and the USA rob us from everything we have. Corruption is gone worse and living standards have gone down. My country NEEDS to leave this corrupt alliance and never go back!!!!!!

[@abrogers3517]

Based on your assessment, what I get from your video is that Europe is a junior partner to America. Europe may complain about America not treating Europe fairly but at the end of the day,the EU serves American interest and not Europe. So it's beneficial for America

[@alanssshh]

European have no choice when American soldiers being in their land

[@nick3xtremegaming212]

yeah honestly as an American I've been getting sick and tired of Europe's shit for years now and the War in Ukraine has only made this declining relationship worse and pushed it to breaking point. I think its time America and Europe go their separate ways.

[@theobserver3753]

They’ve relied too much without giving anything of equal value in return.

[@Qnexus7]

global hegemony?

[@marverleoleo7324]

Sama China tidak ada duanya, saling timbal balik, untung bersama, maju bersama, makmur bersama, ringan sama dijinjing berat sama dipikul, duduk sama rendah, berdiri sama tinggi, saling menghormati dan saling menghargai. !!!

[@denzelklarenaar5883]

Finally! I’ve been dreaming of this for a long time! My continent finally understands that it needs to be independent instead of pleasing the us. I’m glad we are breaking away from a criminal, unstable and unreliable country! Long live Europe! 🇪🇺🇪🇺🇪🇺 Europe, Rise again! 🇪🇺🇳🇱

[@Walesball1214]

I agree

[@chickenfishhybrid44]

euRopE rIsE aGaiN. Too late for that. Most of you are far too limp wristed and soft.

[@tomorrowneverdies567]

Europe is not going to rise dude. There will be not many european people in only 20 years from now.

[@maskerade7258]

I honestly wish more people would think like this in europe! Rivalry among european countries is our demise. Let Europe become a global superpower again, but this time united as allies! 🇪🇺🇵🇱

[@Real_MrDev]

Unity through Diversity! Our childish bickering is stopping us from rising once more, we shall remember the past and look to the future. Long live Europe! 🇪🇺🇮🇹

[@michaelutech4786]

I think the major problem with US-EU relations is the transactional nature of US politics. The USA acts mostly on short term benefits, very much like companies listed on the stock market tune their business for the next quarterly report. European countries and Europe as a whole seeks sustainable long term relations and they accept to incur disadvantages for the sake of stable relations. Trump was not so much a problem because of what he did, but because he made it so obviously clear what the USA might do at any moment. Biden is different in how he communicates, but not so much in what he says. It is not proven that the USA blew up Nordstream - an act of war or terrorism - but Biden said he would terminate it and it's more plausible that he did than anybody else. We can imagine it, even though we cannot imagine that any ally of ours would do something like it. So even if the USA didn't actually do it, this shows have badly the relations are eroded already - under Biden as much as under Trump. We see Putin massacring civilians and hate it, him and Russia for it. But we did not forget Iraq. We agree with the USA that this is barbarism or a war crime, but the only reason we are not calling the USA barbarians is because our image of collateral damage of smart bombs looked different on our TV screens than Ukrainian ruins look on our phones today. Europe does not need to replace the US military. Europe only need to defend itself against Russia both in terms of nuclear and convention arms. Europe does not need military bases around the world, carriers or an army that is capable of invading Russia or China. In return for this investment, Europe will no longer be helpless in regard to blackmailing from the USA. We can and will still trade. We might unite efforts to curtail China economically, but only if there is a common interest, not because we get told to do it. The US-EU relationship was always broken. In the cold war setting, it was broken but functional. Now it's just a useless dependency that has not yet been fixed.

[@robertclaessens3676]

It's time to Make Europe Great Again

[@codyj2170]

I think we need to not be as dependent on each other but not sour the relationship at the same time. Both the USA and EU in general stand for similar ideas we just want to go about them in different ways and that's completely alright and normal. We shouldn't however think that since we want to solve problems in different ways that we should treat each other as adversaries. There are some parts about the USA and EU reactions to situations I don't like but this is about putting aside differences and I'm okay with doing that if Europe is. -USA Citizen

[@johnm7267]

The trouble with that is that you should address that comment to America. It is not Europe that is to blame it is as is usual, America

[@rain-cy6ve]

You should adress this to the US. Europe is not the one trying to hurt your economy actively and who sabotages their allies instead of you know? Talking? US s action rather prove we, Europeans, cannot rely on you anymore. You will definietly remain in ally maybe economically but nothing more. And we do not have similar values, you do not give a shit over human lives or rights at all, not even in your own country.

[@AlanPard0]

great video!

[@tomt8709]

During the era of Trump, the European Union engaged in extensive discussions about becoming more independent from the United States, and Macron's stance on this matter was undoubtedly correct. Regrettably, it appears that things have now returned to their previous state of "normalcy," and despite Macron's repeated calls for action, very little progress has been made. The truth is that the EU, as an entity, still lacks the necessary maturity to assert its own distinct role in the global landscape, particularly in the absence of clear guidance or "orders" from the United States. The more I contemplate President Macron's current speech/remarks, the more inclined I am to concur with his perspective. The European Union's reliance on the United States and China has become excessive, and we are expending considerable sums on foreign goods and services while simultaneously eroding our domestic economy and workforce. This poses a significant threat to the future of Europe, and that's not even considering the topic of defense. In France, the public is understandably resistant to any alterations in their pension age, which is currently set at an exceedingly comfortable 58-60 years. No other European Union member state has a pension age as low as France's, and like all other countries, France's pension system is becoming increasingly difficult to fund and necessitates modification.

[@Cotswolds1913]

The EU has a trade surplus. It is actually America who has the big trade deficits.

[@lukasardono2930]

Great 😊

[@michaelkovacic2608]

Excellent video! Couldn't agree more on the content, and the video quality is great as well. The EU shouldn't care at all about the USA/China conflict. We should seek and maintain good economic relations with both for the sake of our own economic stability and prosperity. Europe must make it clear to the USA that most Europeans have no problem with China and that we won't play any part in a trade war. A Trump reelection in 2024 could be very positive for the EU in the long term since it may offer the possibility of replacing NATO with an EU army. Europe needs to be seen as a trustworthy partner on the world stage, not as a US lackey. As long as other nations behave correctly towards us, we can be anyone's good friend.

[@EUMadeSimple]

thank you! Interesting comment about trump

[@michaelkovacic2608]

@The EU Made SIMPLE Thanks! I have never been much of a Trump critic since I always saw his "America first" policies as a potential catalyst for an "EU first" policy by the EU. Have you considered doing a video about the consequences for Europe in case of DeSantis winning the US presidency? I believe that might be quite realistic since Trump is way past his prime with regard to his popularity, and the Democrats aren't doing so well either. DeSantis is also quite young, so he might be president for a full 2 terms. Trump and Biden are both way too old for a second term.

[@Jai_hind]

But then china is a dictatorship and trust me Chinese government is a snake 🐍 it's nice today but will bite you in future.

[@michaelkovacic2608]

@JAI HIND🦁™ The USA is a snake too. Why don't you see that? Governments are always self-serving.

[@irynasakharchuk7044]

" To be an enemy of America can be dangerous,but to be a friend is fatal." Kissinger

[@stevenone968]

This is communist propaganda. Do you see it?

[@Cotswolds1913]

And yet all of America's friends end up getting rich.

[@MMOfreakOUT1]

@@Cotswolds1913 With refugees and migrants you mean right?

[@ravimenon5255]

UK and EU in general practice democracy reasonably well but US plolicies raises many question marks about their implementation impacts especially on other nations.

[@stormelemental13]

Using a 2021 survey is questionable. A lot has changed, especially regarding defense attitude since Feb '22.

[@ogaduby]

We need United States of Europe! Though that won't happen any time soon (but you can bet your sweet ass it will, some day), EU desperately needs one army, one foreign policy. At least those 2!

[@derdude6214]

Thats would be so wonderful. Just imagine how much better we could make this beautiful continent if we had one financial office, a single secretary for transportation or mministry for energy supply. We could become the worlds mist advanced region of the world within the matter of years. But that seems to be dream as by now

[@iandekker4950]

That wouldn't work out and I hope that it shall not happen many countries wouldn't just give up their sovereignty like that

[@Micha-qv5uf]

I doubt it really. It's not the same with the US. Not only have we 20+ different languages but even completely different language familiys. It might happen in the future but we're most likely talking about a thousand years in the future here.

[@ian2183]

No thanks lol, at least not with my country (Bulgaria) The sooner we leave the EU the better!!!!!

[@Micha-qv5uf]

@@ian2183 Oha. Because Bulgaria is so good on its own? I mean do whatever you want but without the EU, Bulgaria will become a third world country.

[@AnonymousBrendan]

i think as an american europe is no long in our interest to deal with we only have one problem there but the eu can deal with it and that's russia i think we should try to keep nato alive as long as we can while we realize that yea eventually it's no longer gonna work the eu and us could be good friends but we need to realize that we're no longer gonna be as close to each other as we once were our interest are going in totally different directions

[@heidirothbart6254]

what on earth are you saying? I didn't understand a single word! You need to use punctuations, form sentences using finite verbs and generally learn a language spoken by earthlings!

[@dinohunter7176]

3:13 Romania, Greece are missing from EU map. Why?

[@rolandnegrei1427]

They were too insignificant to be taken into consideration in the survey, lol🙂

[@biggpete100]

My American perspective is this - you should do whatever you think is right for Europe, and we'll still be allies because we have similar values and a long shared history.

[@novvak168]

Awesome video. Fully agree with everything said. I'm so glad this way of thinking is becoming more and more common. In a strange way I think Trump was a win for Europe in many ways. Looking forward to future videos

[@hape3862]

Not only has Trump done us a favor by alienating us, but so has Putin by uniting us further - and don't forget the British, who show us every day how lucky we are to be inside the EU, and not outside.

[@yurichtube1162]

@@hape3862 Putin is a friend for Europe. Get the USA out of Europe and nato too, and Russia will gladly be friends and do business. Russia is needed for Europe

[@hape3862]

@@yurichtube1162 That's exactly what Germany thought - *before* Putin went completely nuts! Now all the prophets who warned against a friendly relationship with Russia have been proven right. Thank you, Mr. Putin! You are right, we *will* push the US out of Europe, and NATO *will* become obsolete, but not the way you think: we will build a European army, and the EU will be a superpower, economically we already are, and in world politics we will be. And Russia will be begging at our doorstep because it has marginalized itself, there is no way back.

[@yurichtube1162]

@@hape3862 Your hubris and ego is so big, Klaus Schwab himself would be impressed. Dude: Europe is going to lose all their prestige. Europe's power and independence lies with Eurasia and the East. You need Russia for that, not only for business with Russia but also the friendship you could strenghten through Russia with China, South America, Africa and BRICS+. Nobody trusts the EU, everyone trusts Russia. USA started this war, setting a trap for Europe and you fell into it. Europe will never be a superpower, you're a serf to the USA. America blew up nordstream 1+2, and you're just taking it. The world sees it. What self-respecting "superpower" would accept such utter betrayal from a supposed "partner"? You're trapped, America has Europe by the balls and you can't escape them as long as you shun Russia.

[@yurichtube1162]

@@hape3862 You're dependent on the USA, from energy to defense to weapons. Europe will be looted of all industries by America, and all Europe will do is moan and accept. Because you're a junior, you're part of the US empire. You don't eat with the big boss, you eat the bone he throws in the trash. America commits terrorism on EU with nordstreams, immigration crisis can be blamed to the endless wars the USA starts all over the world and you just deal with the aftermath. Russia is safe, they have BRICS+. You will be begging them, or one of Russia's BRICS allies, for energy and more. Go buy some more oil from India, who ofcourse buys it from Russia and re-sells it to you. Go cripple yourself with a trillion+ euro debt to cover energy costs. Superpower? Lol dream on.

[@_macedonian]

Second! Love From Macedonia

[@Micha-qv5uf]

You agreed to call yourself North Macedonia.

[@_macedonian]

@@Micha-qv5uf The traitor government did. There is no Macedonian here that would even think of saying "North Macedonia". We are Macedonians

[@Micha-qv5uf]

@@_macedonian Well somebody must have elected this government. That's how democracy works. If the majority supports it, you have no right to undermine it.

[@_macedonian]

@@Micha-qv5uf Yes we elected that goevernment because they promised to get us in NATO and the EU. So far all they done is betrayed us, and we are nowhere near the EU.

[@user-cd4bx6uq1y]

Epic

[@larsdekoff3028]

I would agree with that stronger EU coöperation would be a good thing and an united goal would be a strong fundation. I do however not expect this to be a possibility especialy on what i see in the comments i read a lot of not just a larger EU but also a centralised one. What makes me sceptical we as of now hardly are able to come to a consensus about these policies now others want to add Turkey who will function as a strong pilar in its own right and its own intrests to persue, The UK back what would be a majour struggle to make it adhere to EU rules and it was the least willing nation to work on an federal europe and several smaller states who aswel have their own intrests. It basicly makes the entire idea of a centralised europe and greater europe as a wish with no fundation in reality. If anything the EU should attempt to shrink to it has potencial of disagreement on what policy they should go for and force sertain states to restructure their politics and economy because as it is going right now the EU as a project will fail. Not because the principles of the EU are wrong but simply because it can not afford a nation within the union to go bankrupt and even now some are heading towards that and at a sertain point the money runs out. It worrys me greatly that no one is talking about this because before any other this will be the thing that will end the project not the disagreements but the fact that money is finite.

[@jakubzov]

Turkey won't become a part of eu. With their hostility against Greece and using immigrants as a negotiaton tool they made sure of that. I think the problem you are talking about could be fixed with different time advance. For example federation would be created only out of the members which wish to join it. The rest would stay in the form of eu we currently have. I believe that in time every European nation would join it eventually

[@hape3862]

@@jakubzov Yes, the unanimity principle has outlived its usefulness; Orban and the PIS have shown us that clearly. Since no one can be kicked out of the EU (unfortunately!) and a unanimous decision to abolish unanimity is not to be expected, the only option is the multi-speed Europe that Macron is promoting. As a German, I think that's wonderful and I know that many of my compatriots also think that way. So let's start all over again and create the new, inner and faster EU with the old founding members (or whoever wants). This will also make it easier for the periphery like Ukraine, the Western Balkans and possibly even Turkey and one day Russia to join.

[@hape3862]

No, we Germans have had a "Länderfinanzausgleich" (state fiscal equalization) between our federal states for decades. For example: after the war, Bavaria was still an agricultural state with a low standard of living and large deficits, but the other states had to pay into a fund from which Bavaria was subsidized. You certainly know that Bavaria is now a technological and economic powerhouse within Germany and is now paying a lot of money into the fund itself to subsidize the eastern states, which used to be the GDR. This state fiscal equalization is a success story that is rarely told. - At the EU level, this must be the model for getting weaker countries up to speed. Our financial aid to Greece and Portugal has already shown that it works, but Merkel was too harsh with them and humiliated them. It needs to become a mechanism, not begging. I'm pretty sure we'll be able to do that.

[@khanhnguyen-tt3ff]

@@jakubzov Turkey right now want to be a major local power in central Asia, they already lay the round work for their alliances with all the Turkish government in the region since Russia is to busy to keep the central Asia country in line

[@megafilmlover]

I do not deny that EU has issues but I feel that we are still "a work in progress" anyhow and it will take time to get all of the bugs out. But I feel personally optimistic about the future, despite the many clouds in the sky🙂

[@ivan_matvichuk]

I think Europe should pursue its own policy and do everything to achieve its interests in global politics.

[@luisrosias6203]

I believe that the US, EU, in conjuction with Japan, SK, AUKUS, need to continue to integrate our economies and work together on defense. Fundamentally we all share key core beliefs in the rule of law, democracy, and human rights and face common challenges in combating authoritarianism and climate change. Barriers in trade and cooperation between us do far more harm than good. It is the global international order and trade that has allowed us all to flourish, and it's important that we continue to increase our collective ability to work together to protect and expand the prosperity we have built. Isolationist and nationalist policies will only weaken our progress. We are stronger together.

[@christophevervecken1370]

VDL should thought about this long time ago.Now she missed it, or trying not to lose her face for the EU?

[@victoews6842]

Must have made this before Knowing USA blew up Nordstream.

[@thetaomega7816]

Stay poor, tankie

[@t-rex4211]

Looks like it was 6 months after. Strange they forgot to mention that one 🤔

[@slavianalbanovich9025]

Please !!! Add subtitles

[@EUMadeSimple]

We are working on it. They will be there in the future

[@slavianalbanovich9025]

@@EUMadeSimple 💙💙

[@MrMarinus18]

6:05 There is also a splitting cultural divide. As the US slides further and further to the far right it further and further alienates the EU.

[@SeanSafford]

As an American living in the EU, I agree with everything but would probably phrase a few things differently. I wouldn’t say that the US - even under Trump - came to see the EU as a “foe”. There has been frustration for some time that the EU hasn’t pulled it’s own weight. The EU-US relationship will work best when it is a partnership of equals. While there is some benefit to the US maintaining clear dominance in world affairs, there is also an obvious need for “the west” to act as a counterbalance to China and others who might want to upend the current economic and military world order. An EU that acted as a full partner to the US would be in a better position to stand up to some of the US’s excesses and “backsliding” while being a more capable partner when our interests do coincide, which is far more often than not.

[@marcspace5144]

As an Ex European from Belgium (most worse shithole on the planet🌍) I understand that Europe is over .... they always sold their soul to the Jewish-USA system 💩💩💩

[@MrChenjinyuan]

The biggest threat to world peace is not China who do not have a track record of invading countries and destabilizing governments that are not user friendly to American interests. It is the country that has 800 military bases situated all over the world, a bunch of idiot political leaders of doubtful intellect and education ( coming from wealth well fed and we'll heeled families should not be the only qualifications to be a senator) just watch any congressional debate on any important issue and u will see what I mean. The people present are more interested in scoring political points as opposed to solving the problems of there country The danger is that one of these idiots pushes a button by mistake first which will end in the destruction of the world as we know it! 😢

[@paul1979uk2000]

I think the EU should remain more neutral on China unless China keeps becoming more hostile to more nations around the world, the US is hostile to China because they see China as a rising power being a threat to US power around the world, the EU could play them off each other, but on the other hand, I also think a strong EU-US relations is needed as these two are the core blocks when it comes to western values and democracy, especially at a time when authoritarian governments have been on the rise. As for the EU and some of its members, they need to wake up, integrate more and pool more resources together, as much as a friend the US is, they don't care that much about European interest and it's high time Europeans wake up to that fact, the EU countries have the muscle, the economy and skill set to be a lot stronger on the military, foreign policy and many other areas, but only if they act as one with one voice and they have the perfect tool to do that through the EU, the alternative will be slow decline if individual countries keep wanting their own voice on the international stage because they are too small to compete with the likes of the US and China, but the EU is big enough that they can compete and the EU has the advantage that it can expand, now it just needs the political will to do the hard decision to get real change, being that the last decade has been wasted.

[@Micha-qv5uf]

Lol how much more hostile to literally everybody can they become? They are already a fascist dystopian dictatorship, commiting genocide against minoritys, cutting their population off from the internet and foreign information in general, trying to get their hands in and on everything on this planet. I feel like you're not up to date bro. Have you not seen any of the news in the last 20 years?

[@hunterjohnson6849]

Cared about european interests enough to bail you guys out of both of the world wars you started and even footed the bill to rebuild your continent after the last world war

[@Micha-qv5uf]

@@hunterjohnson6849 Wow you describe world history like a 3 year old child. Congratulations on your historical accurate and extremely detailed analysis.

[@paul1979uk2000]

@@hunterjohnson6849 Don't kid yourself, the US entered the war out of self-interest, basically, the US knew that if they didn't enter the war, it was only going to escalate and the Nazis had a big advantage over the rest whereas the US had the advantage of being far away from the war, the US likely knew that if they stayed out of it, it was only a matter of time before the Nazis went after the US once they've finished with Europe and Russia, the Nazis would have been in a much stronger position to do so, so it was in the interest of the US to enter the war. Beside, using your logic, we could say the same thing about the French coming to the aid of the US when the Brits invaded, so enough with the pettiness and like it or not, the EU or the US isn't strong enough to take on China long term, they simply have the advantage of having a much bigger population with a fast-growing economy, so the EU and US will likely have to get closer together to protect western values, but let's not kid ourselves, the US has far more to lose with a rising China then the EU does, hence the panic and actions the US is trying to do to China with the aim of putting them down before it's too late, the US has a history of doing this, only this time, Japan is no China.

[@blankme206]

This is a very European perspective. As an American, I have my own list of main events that challenged the transatlantic relationship. We can start with the Euro which was explicitly aimed at undermining the dollar. 30 years of European refusal to spend of defense. While building elaborate welfare states and ignoring warnings from every single US president, secretary of Defense and Secretary of State since Clinton that Americans would not subsidize you forever. Ordinary Americans view Europe not as a partner but a condescending dependent. Trump was a symptom that.

[@derdude6214]

Thats is actually understandable. I think a huge European mistake was to take the peace for granted. That doesn't exclude myself to be honest. I was pretty vocally against the military and the spending of money to support it until the russian invasion. That showed me that I was wrong. But at least we can all agree that europe is was to depended on the US. For you its bad because we lay on your wallet and for us because (no offense to you personally) we don't trust the US anymore. Donalds Trump may have had a point with the military spending as much as I hate to admit but the risk of being on the verge of grace of this ludacris wannabe dictator is unsettling enough to strengthen European independence. Have a wonderful day mate hope you doing alright over there.

[@Micha-qv5uf]

Saying the Euro was introduced to undermine the Dollar but at the same time complaining about EU dependancy kinda contradicts itself. it's also Quite ridiculous. Why would we use the US Dollar? Were not the US. We can have our own currency. Thank you.

[@valentintapata2268]

The US dollar is being subsidised by the whole world and the US foreign policy is making sure this doesn't end.

[@megafilmlover]

I rather have the "welfare state" with proper free healthcare, education and very little gun related violence, rather than have a bloated military budget. I agree that USA has a biggest military and huge economy but it rates poorly in many other issues when compared to the European Union or Europe in general.

[@jirachi-wishmaker9242]

@@megafilmlover probably because eu isn't spending enough. US is being forced to carry the load in order to have relation with Europe.

[@kitpong1777]

Yeah, then Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. Left to their own decision making, Europe would have walked around in circles hand wringing and muttering to themselves how terrible of the Russians, wish they would withdraw. It took the massive airlift and sea lift of US weapons aid to Ukraine to convince Europe to come up with solid support of its own.

[@tobiasL1991]

This video is speldid but I feel like there's several things to comment on or improve: -First, try to put a time and date on the clip of Merkel, when, where and to whom did she speak? -Second 1:20, expanding NATO? That was quite a while after WW2. That line is just misleading, wrong or talking about something that happened much later. -Third, try to put a time and date on the clip of Biden too. -Fourth, perhaps mention which survey, because that second point is quite extreme for it to just be a non addressed point. -Fifth, sure during the cold war the US would be the most important, but it's a very flawed metric to measure how much Western European countries see the US. I mean it's a testament to the integration that so many nations see their neigbhors as most important, France sees Germany and Germany sees France. -Sixth, try to do the same for the clip of Macron. Also I would have liked to see a reason to be optimistic, the West hasn't been this united since the end of the cold war when it comes to Russia, it's only a small part but I feel it deserves attention.

[@EUMadeSimple]

Thanks for the constructive criticism. You are right that the clips warrant dates and speech locations/occasions. I will definitely include that in the future. As for NATO, I only showed the countries that joined before 1991. But as most countries joined by 1955, with exception of Spain in 1982, I take your point onboard. Should have phrased that differently. thanks!

[@heressomestuffifound]

As an American/German citizen living in California, I completely agree. US politics is broken and the EU can’t rely on the U.S. as it did in the past. Every 4 years there’s a chance the US pulls out of NATO and becomes more and more isolationist. It’s only going to get crazier and more volatile in the U.S.

[@franknwogu4911]

why should the usa back europe when europe wont do the same for us

[@heressomestuffifound]

@@franknwogu4911 I'm speaking specifically to the fact that the European nations can no longer safely make policy based on the assumption that the support from the U.S. is a sure-thing. They once could safely assume this, following the Marshall Plan and during and shortly after the collapse of the U.S.S.R. As to why the U.S.A. should back Europe today, this is another topic entirely. Given the nuance and depth that topic deserves, and addressing the implicit sub-question of whether or not Europe reciprocates, I don't think the comments section will be the place for me to get into my views on that topic.

[@adrien5834]

@@franknwogu4911 You've got some nerve. Most of Europe has just spent 20 years waging war in the Middle East just because you asked. It was all a colossal waste of lives, time, and money. It would have been better for everybody, the US included, if Europe had told you to stuff it.

[@gusgrow9768]

@@adrien5834 you sucked off Russia for over thirty years despite the do United States warring you against it! If anything Europe got the got the nerve not the United States. Because no the United States is footing the bill.

[@joker-pilled5892]

@@adrien5834 Can you give some examples?

[@donegle]

Many of us agree that a strong EU, especially militarily, is best for us in the USA also. What stings is that our middle class is shrinking & we spend more to protect you than you do for yourself!

[@thedamnedatheist]

Because that was the deal made at Bretton Woods which underpins the US economy. It's the cost of being the reserve currency.

[@firdaus99031]

Whoaa... Multipolar world is really happening. It's no longer western vs soviet, us vs them It's US vs EU vs China vs Russia now👋👌

[@marcspace5144]

As an Ex European from Belgium (most worse shithole on the planet🌍) I understand that Europe is over .... they always sold their soul to the Jewish-USA system 💩💩💩

[@tangwei4604]

hahaha😂

[@cresenteayo3638]

Ok for how long more it rely on US defence shield, political patronage and economic dependence?

[@slevinshafel9395]

I want united state of EUROPE not union or mariage. Until now was good but need to unify EUROPE as federal country and not let Macron only protect France and others just stay around him.

[@tomorrowneverdies567]

What would change?

[@Real_MrDev]

@Tomorrow Never Dies That will give us a more compact and flexible GDP, allowing us to fix or at least notice what needs to be fixed and by pulling the best from all around Europe to create a better spending program.

[@Real_MrDev]

@@tomorrowneverdies567 ^^^

[@tomorrowneverdies567]

@@Real_MrDev are you aware of the history of Austria-Hungary? The ottoman empire? The russian empire? They all disintegrated in the end, because of their demographics, namely in big chunks of their land, people felt that the policy of the central government was not in their favor. The Hungarians believed that the government in Vienna always favored Austrians and Austria. The Austrians believed that it always favored Hungarians and Hungary. The Croats believed that it favored Hungarians and Hungary, and Czechs believed it favored Austrians. If you do what you propose, there is namely the danger that in some country, people will feel constantly misrepresented, or that their opinion on politics does not matter at all, because they are so few in number, that they cannot influence the result of elections. And then they will try to form an independent country. To do what you say, first you need all these people to aquire the same identity, a phsychological thing, which is however impossible, because people in Europe look differently, speak different languages, and have different behaviors.

[@Real_MrDev]

I've already given you a response to this same comment in another comment, I don't think there is no need to say it twice.

[@Fitzwewels]

As an American, I wish the Europeans weren’t so spineless on the topic of China. The U.S. relies just as heavily on China, but we don’t feel the need to remain neutral. They were spineless on Russia as well until it was too late. Europe acts like we live in a post-conflict world sometimes. Just give it a few centuries and maybe, but for now, we can’t rely on the good will of dictatorships.

[@megafilmlover]

We are not spineless in the EU but more diplomatic, realistic and we do not try to force our views on the rest of the World. We also usually tend to have better relations with countries that USA have many issues with, including China. Of course the USA wishes us to "cancel China" because it wants to get rid of one of its biggest competitors..and get all the money from the EU - China trade to themselves. And the EU has been critical towards China on the issues like human rights and participated on the sanctions when it has been deemed necessary.

[@angriboi]

The US isn't a neighbor of Russia, but Europe is. We have to deal with them, if we want to, or not. To have stable relations with Russia was and is the only way to ensure peace in Europe. A war between NATO and Russia wouldn't be such a huge issue for the US as it would be for Europe, as it would be mainly fought in Europe. America is far away, but Russia is right next to us.

[@2SSSR2]

I think this video is on point. If EU is to survive it needs to become stronger, t ostand with US as an equal power at least and not dependable one.

[@BM-ub4no]

My American Prospective as follows: 1. The pandemic taught us many things, but the most important lesson was that industries essential for American national security need to be within the United States. This isn't an absolute and maybe the IRA goes too far, but that is the mindset behind it. Plus, politically it is very popular as there is a strong economic populist movement here in the States and to prevent #4 from happening, a shift in our trade policy needs to occur. 2. China. So, the EU has a choice to make. Either make its economy dependent on a super power with shared values (democracy, freedom, human rights, etc.) or not. If the EU wants to align with China, fine go ahead. But do not think it won't come with more of a cost than the present U.S. / E.U. relationship. The answer to that question should also determine the EU's response to the imminent Chinese invasion of Taiwan. 3. In regards to NATO, the US believes being in NATO is a good investment. The logic is simple. Our view is that without a unified European federation, we cannot trust you guys to start an internal war. Far-Right nationalism is on the rise in Europe and twice in the last century, the US had to get end two wars in Europe that cost us billions of dollars (trillions in today's dollars) and 500k deaths. Unless you Europeans can prove you won't invade each other, then I would suggest being very carful about militarization. With the war in Ukraine happening, I understand why it is desired. Frankly, without the US being in NATO, Putin would invade EU members, so it would be wise to build up defenses from that perspective (as support for NATO is wavering here). But again, be careful! I don't know about you, but I don't want Orban (and others) with troops of their own! 4. You got me there. As bad as things are in Europe with some EU members and democracy, it's worse in the US. Many of our states are no longer liberal democracies and our federal system will be at risk with every federal election we have. So yeah, it is possible that US democracy continues to backslide, but this isn't the first time in our long history and we have recovered before. Personally, I don't think the EU will ever be able to be fully 'independent' from the US or China until it unifies. Too much instability domestically to allow for it.

[@alanssshh]

at least China didn't blow up the Europe gas pipeline.American did that

[@miguelpadeiro762]

2. Or we become independant from any superpower's whims and trade as we see fit, as even if China is authoritarian and the US a republic, both have proven to be warmongering states in the 21st century 3. We aren't the USA's ant farm. As an European, I don't see any reason for the continuation of NATO once Putin goes sleep with the fishes. NATO was obsolete from 1991 to 2014. All it served was as a vessel for the USA to push our countries into their stupid wars like Iraq and Afghanistan. A brighter future is a combined European military effort, which wouldn't need US support anymore. Russia is pathetically weak, and other than Russia literally no one else poses a threat to Europe because we don't go out of our way to seek global hegemony anymore...and shouldn't either. All that needs to be done is an European alliance, and Putin's advances are permanently stalled. Same security. But less of the USA meddling with our affairs. Seriously though, you are not some benefic overlord overseeing us so we remain democratic and good, we are more humane anyway, you can see American companies getting bombed with beurocracy and limitations in the EU when they had free reign back home. If we go far right in some states, we go far right. You can surprisingly see that Italy's Meloni is fully commited to the EU, even if her policies are controversial nation-wide. Democracy prevails, these extremists fuck up? They are spit out, the ocean brought them here and it will take them away. For democracy to work and last you have to trust and actively work for democracy to work and last. And there certainly won't be war within the EU, now that, that is a fantasy. It comes with the core elements of the union. Interdependence. Common market and open borders, hopefully soon a combined armed forces too. Any thought of war is CATASTROPHIC. Also newsflash: Orban has troops of his own, he leads Hungary, and this thing called Hungarian armed forces

[@Cotswolds1913]

@@alanssshh According to who??

[@alanssshh]

Biden said that publicly@@Cotswolds1913

[@Cotswolds1913]

@@alanssshh except he didn’t

[@jonassamme1889]

From a Swedish perspective it's problematic that our formost ally in the EU, GB has left the union. We Scandinavians have more in common with our Anglo-Saxon cousins than we have with the Europenas. In the coming decades it is not unlikly that the northern part of Europe will orient itself towards the west, GB and US as Europe integrates more in their projects that we frankly have little in common with on a cultural and political level. As you point out in the video Swedes sees the US (actually the english speaking world) as the most important partner. News from the US and GB is regulary reported in the media while Europen news is seldom given any coverage, a sign as good as any.

[@EUMadeSimple]

That is interesting. I wonder why that is... Especially as your closest neighbours (e.g. Germany, Netherlands) are EU founders.

[@jonassamme1889]

@@EUMadeSimple It's quite simple actually. Scandinavians don't have much in common with dutch, germas and such (anymore) since they're not embraced the English language and culture like we have. They stick to their old europan ways. For the dutch that might change and most probably will but the bigger countries like germany, france, spain and italy are stuck because sheer population size. It will take them much longer time to adjust to our every more rapidly changing world. In contrast it's a much easier process in smaller countries.

[@ae-jo5gc]

I am swedish and I dont feel closer to America than Germany.

[@Lolo-tz8sz]

@@jonassamme1889 you can americanise yourself or your country, no problem! We don't want that, we don't need them, we don't need their culture or foreign politics,we don't need English( of course It's nice to speak it, but you don't need it) Your so close anglo saxon friends just blew up nord stream😂 to help Europe? When you have friends like US you don't need enemies, whe should send them home from our continent, fuck up Nato and shitty EU ( who was created by who you guess?) And come back to reason!

[@ihs51]

Maybe EU should learn to deal with Russia and China with a "win-win" solution rather than a "ZERO SUM" game !

[@emekli_nihilist]

Maalesef...

[@mslc22]

NS1 n NS2 attack is a major issue. It shows who is your are..

[@thegoodpimps]

Most likely Poland sabotaged Nordstream.

[@tomorrowneverdies567]

If Europe/the EU relies on its own army power, then it would probably need to increase spending to build up its army power. Who is going to pay for this?

[@MDP1702]

I don't know the exact amount, but the EU average spenditure is likely between 1,25 and 1,5% of GDP. 2% is more than enough, meaning we'd only have to raise it another .5-.75% of GDP. Obviously not as easily as pulling a switch, but not a big problem either.

[@tomorrowneverdies567]

@@MDP1702 ok, but why not just have the US army backing the EU in Europe? This way we do not need to do anything.

[@Real_MrDev]

There is no need to rise expenditures at max we should all rise military expenses to at least 2% of the GDP and those who have already reach that or passed that should not increase it, what we should really do is fixing how we spend the military budget.

[@Real_MrDev]

@Tomorrow Never Dies Becuase that would be lazy and that's how alliances fall.

[@tomorrowneverdies567]

@@Real_MrDev I don't see nato falling anytime soon though.

[@HJJ135]

The reason why companies move to China and USA is because they are better countries for production i.e. cheaper energy and fewer laws, the EU needs to be more competitive not subsidize more pensions etc. The same goes for the military, countries In the EU needs to spend more on defense but even then EU members would still want to cooperate with the US because they are still more reliable and stronger than most other EU members.

[@MariatuFTarawalie-do5gf]

They have been us as tools😅😅😅

[@roccociccone597]

I don't like that we have relied on the US for this long.

[@garendeerdnuss5417]

Wiedermal ein starkes Video 👍🏻 Die Haltung der Vereinigten Staaten selber wirkt auch schon so, als wäre die EU ein Gegner Statt ein Verbündeter

[@ramoncastaneda8432]

Look how they treat us

[@craigzinkta3988]

About time Europe woke up to itself

[@nickydeklerk8513]

They must Work together always

[@roberttilimbici9139]

More than ever Europe has to stand on her own feet: economically, politically, and militarily. The interests of US are different than ours.

[@Cotswolds1913]

They're really not that different though.

[@alex_adb]

First!

[@Theheep]

WRONG

[@trainspotting_and_tech2023]

4th :))

[@zionismisterrorism8716]

It should be obvious. The EU does what the USA wants, no questions asked.

[@marcspace5144]

As an Ex European from Belgium (most worse shithole on the planet🌍) I understand that Europe is over .... they always sold their soul to the Jewish-USA system 💩💩💩

[@robertheins1749]

Yep

[@PaulFromCHGO]

As a dual US/EU [Italy] citizen, I really want to see relations improve between the two but it seems that in the US, that really depends on which political party is in power. Republicans / Conservatives do not seem to like the EU as they think the EU gets stronger at US expense. Democrats / Liberals seem to think the opposite and believe there is strength in being allies with the EU. As for the Trump equation, I fear that if he were to be re-elected and yet found guilty of serious crimes at the same time, there will be serious unrest in the US as a result. January 6th type of episodes may happen all around the country if the government attempts to jail him and I fear it could descend into civil war even though no one in media wants to really say those words. I hope it does not come to that, but it is a worry for me. I guess we'll see. I was planning to move to the EU in a few years but if it descends into chaos, I'll need to consider leaving the US much sooner. Still, I believe the EU should become something like the "United States of Europe" or whatever you want to call it. Of course, don't copy everything the US does because God knows the US has some real domestic problems, especially politically. But in general, I want to see the EU integrate more together, change the veto power where one EU state cannot hold up progress (for example, if >80% if EU states agree on something, then it passes). I want Europol to be able to tackle corruption in any government institution whether at EU level or individual state / local level and have the power to arrest politicians who are corrupt. I want an EU wide Army and I want our politicians and especially our laws (at least major laws) to be subject to our vote. Too often, in the EU and the US, politicians push agendas that the voters do not approve of but politicians lie and they say that their constituents want something. Well, then let's put it to referendum and see if it's true! There should also be a "perjury against the people" law. If political people promise what they stand for and then go back on it after being elected, they should be subject to a no-confidence vote / recall election right away and we should not be stuck with a politician "until the next election" which is years away if that politician is clearly going back on promises which got them elected in the first place. These are just some of my ideas that I think would improve the EU.

[@desinr_m6346]

Fr

[@kalelapius5271]

Not only a vassal but a colony.

[@XY-uc1tw]

Germany and France are two countries, which mostly pays the bill for EU. They will fail soon anyway. Southern countries are currently only profiting from EU.

[@1946dms]

Time for EU to stop being America's lapdog. This sound good but do they have the courage to actually do it?

[@curtiswfranks]

Idk how the EU would do so, but if you could encourage the rebuilding of democracy in the U.S. in any way (like a reverse Marshall Plan or anything else), then that would be very appreciated by at least one U.S. American.

[@wojciechpiosik302]

Europe doesnt even have an army to defends itself

[@mistrunumis]

im all for more EU intergration and all that but i really dont think we need to represent out interrests abroad. and let countries choose what kind of goverment they want themselves. not try and influence countries to pick a leader that looks at the EU in a favorable light. we can just trade with countries that we choose to trade with. not who other countries tell us to trade with. i really dont think we are helping africa that much if anything we are abusing them but whatever i suppose

[@adrianofeixa5026]

I agreed we need to be more independent and to do more deals and investement on EU

[@guiller2371]

I believe Americans and Europeans have a great deal in common; but not enough to bind themselves in an intimate relationship such as an alliance. I believe the two parties should continue a friendly relationship and seek for their own interests. Americans should be the first priority to America; and so Europeans to Europe.