Armin Laschet Calls for Stronger U.S.-Europe Ties While Advocating European Defense Autonomy

As U.S. foreign policy under Trump shifts focus, Laschet emphasizes Europe's need for self-reliance and questions peacekeeping feasibility in Ukraine without American support.

• Armin Laschet, a CDU foreign policy leader, urges Europe to strengthen ties with Donald Trump, emphasizing shared interests in addressing conflicts with Russia and China.
• Laschet warns Europe to prepare for a scenario where the U.S. may no longer be a reliable partner, advocating for a unified European defense industry and indigenous fighter jet production.
• The 'Coalition of the Willing' meeting on March 27 failed to reach consensus on deploying European forces for a potential Ukraine ceasefire, highlighting divisions among European leaders.
• Laschet expresses skepticism about the practicality of a European peacekeeping force in Ukraine without U.S. involvement, citing logistical and strategic challenges.
• While denying ambitions for the German Foreign Minister post, Laschet remains a prominent voice in foreign policy, recently accompanying Annalena Baerbock on diplomatic trips to Syria and Lebanon.

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