Summary
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen outlined the EU’s vision as a global economic leader during the World Economic Forum, contrasting Trump’s “America First” policies.
She highlighted Europe’s advantages, including its large single market, social infrastructure, and commitment to the Paris climate accord, while emphasizing new alliances with Latin America, Africa, and Asia.
Avoiding direct criticism of Trump, von der Leyen underscored the EU’s stability and rules-based approach.
Her speech signaled a pivot away from U.S.-centric relations and a focus on global trade diversification.
Yeah no, Europe is toast. For most of the continent the demographics are terminal. In the US we have a large Millennial and gen Z population that can replace the boomers. Europe doesn’t have that.
People between the ages of 25 to 45 power the economy through consumption because they are trying to establish households and families. They do not have enough young people to support their own industries. Much like China they need export markets like the US where consumption is strong to stay afloat. The US is the only rich market that will be consumption driven for the next 20 or 30 years before our it’s demographics begin to fail.
However, Trump is all bluster, he will back down if he can score some kind of win even if it is small. He can’t start trade wars with most of the world’s major economies without inciting rampant inflation in the US. That’s why he didn’t implement his tariffs on day one of his presidency like he promised. Ignore him or give him something small and he will go away.
Stop giving him attention and taking his words seriously. He is just trying to dominate the news cycle.