What Will It Mean For Europe If Trump Removes His Troops?

[anotheoldgit]

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/trump-us-troops-europe-leaders-scared-eu-panetta-germany-uk-france-baltic-a8437111.html

[ToraToraTora]

well the EUSSR would have to spend more on defence and less of the CAP and CFP etc. Also cut free money for work shy scum across the continent and use the money for defence. We and the EUSSR should not be relying on the US anyway. Trump as usual is bang on here.

[jim360]

Russian troops in Berlin by October.

Or, more seriously, a breakdown in trust across the Atlantic. I don't see how that can be regarded as a good thing.

[jim360]

Still, I suppose it would make the "European Army" idea suddenly palatable?

[dannyk13]

As long as the USA is a member off NATO then they have a certain obligation to support the defence of Europe.

[Zacs-Master]

3 reasons the US won’t pull out of Europe:

Rich natural reserves in the northern regions. Plus the melting ice caps are about to open up new shipping routes.

Access to the Middle East via the Balkans and the NATO allies the US has in this region.

The military benefits of the Mediterranean and ease of access to N Africa.

I’d like to know EUCOM‘s take on Trump’s sabre rattling on their behalf.

[Kromovaracun]

Ultimately, it would mean that if Europe wants to keep up that level of defence (which it does for understandable reasons imo) then the governments of Europe will need to find the resources to do that between themselves.

What would that mean in detail? Who knows. I suspect the net result would be a hitherto-undreamed of level of integration between the states of a smaller European Union, but that's really just a gut feeling than any kind of informed prediction. I dearly hope it would not mean a return to the calamitous "every-power-for-itself" arrangement that Europe has spent the last 70 years trying to escape. But it's not impossible.

I don't think this would be a good thing for either the US or Europe. Both have done quite well out of the inclusion of Europe in the American post-war order and I don't really see why that shouldn't continue.

[-Talbot-]

If Turkey wasn't already in NATO...would it be allowed to join?

[youngmafbog]

Europe has to pay it's fair share, it's no use the Germans not stumping up for defence and using the proceeds for increasing their GDP. That simply isnt on.

Trump is right on this one again. If they had been paying their fair share this would not have arisen.

[Old_Geezer]

My gut feeling is there is unlikely to be mass withdrawal. Maybe some to save face. Military tends to provide influence. Moving back from another great expansionist power giving them opportunity, seems a retrograde step for the US. Then there is the issue of being stronger together, in NATO of course. They contribute/participate less the weaker all are, including the one pulling back.

[youngmafbog]

Not the point OG.

The UK, along with the US, meets its commitment to spend 2% of GDP on defence but the failure by other Nato members, including Germany, to meet the target has angered The Donald. And who can blame him.

The Germans save money on defence, paid for by UK/US, and use the savings to push forward their economy. All Mr Trump is saying is enough is enough lets get to a level playing field.

And he is correct.

Interesting ly the POTUS is expected to use the gathering in Brussels to ramp up his demands for Nato allies to take on more of the burden. The row will continue into Mr Trump's first visit to Britain as President at the end of the week.

After spending four days in Britain, Mr Trump will fly on to talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin - raising concern he will make new agreements with the Kremlin just days after rowing with European allies.

Be careful EU, Trump hates your liberal elitist and Globalist ways he will not support you any longer and also unlike Treason May he will stand up to their petty bullying.

[Old_Geezer]

Correct or not, I reckon anything that influences the outcome is relevant.

[ichkeria]

Trump looks increasingly like a president who sucks up to our enemies and scorns and belittles our friends.
Of course European countries should contribute more to NATO but Trump’s bluster and threats are causing anxiety and doubt among his allies and only our enemies profit from that

[naomi24]

//Trump .....scorns and belittles our friends. //

Oh the irony. :o)

[Zacs-Master]

There’s a match the trump insult to the country here if you’re interested:
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/jan/12/can-you-match-donald-trump-insult-country-insulted

[Peter Pedant]

// And he (Trump) is correct. //

well if he doesnt fight the next war in Europe - where da troops are,
then where does he fight it?
Mainland America ?

oh the irony ! and yes Trump told Poland he was gonna withdraw troops and waited expectantly for loud applause - - - which didnt come ( they chanted Poland! Poland! )

Trump could almost have said - "I am gonna get a great warl and build it across Europe and we will call it the berlin warl and putin will pay for it arl. Yeah it will be beautiful or nart, depending. He will pay for every cent yeah ! Or the Iron Curtain - day aint seen anything like that before !" oh the ignorance !

[Peter Pedant]

// Trump is right on this one again. If they had been paying their fair share this would not have arisen.// someone

the last time the Germans paid their fair share
it took five years to get it right again
that was why they were disarmed

youngmaf etc - foo! did it? when dat den?

1939

YMF; what happened den den ? foo dat ! ya pulling my plinker you are! - war den? why den ? foo!

oh, as someone said: the irony!

[naomi24]

PeterPedant, //oh, as someone said: the irony! //

That was me.