Speaking on the floor of the European Parliament in Strasbourg this week, Member of the European Parliament, Cynthia Ní Mhurchú has warned that continued attempts to placate President Trump risk encouraging further economic and geopolitical pressure on Europe, adding that diplomacy must be matched with strength.
She called on EU leadership to show more backbone in their dealings with US President Donald Trump. She called for a more robust response from EU leadership, including the EU Commission, to Trumps threats on Greenland as well as his threat to impose fresh tariffs on the EU.
Ní Mhurchú cautioned that a policy of appeasement of Trump only services to embolden him and produce further and more erratic demands. She said the mood for unity and solidarity amongst her EU colleagues is high and there is a new level of resolve to stand up to President Trump and his increasingly erratic demands.
“The EU must leave President Trump in no doubt: any hostile move — economic or otherwise — will have serious consequences,” she said. “Yes, standing firm carries costs, but the cost of inaction is far greater.”
Whilst she acknowledged that diplomacy is a critical tool to deal with the current US administration, she fears that leaders like Trump only understand power, strength and that he does not respect perceived weakness.
She confirmed she will work with MEPs from across the political spectrum this week in Strasbourg to press for a united and forceful stance from EU leadership.
