fr.euronews.com
Von der Leyen Skips Trump Inauguration Amidst Greenland Dispute and Ukraine Concerns
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will not attend Donald Trump's inauguration due to illness, but seeks early contact with his administration despite his threat to use military force to acquire Greenland and potentially cut aid to Ukraine, prompting a cautious response from the EU.
- What are the long-term implications for transatlantic relations given Trump's stated policies on military spending, trade, and support for Ukraine?
- Trump's aggressive stance on Greenland and potential cuts to Ukraine aid raise serious concerns for the EU. His demand for increased NATO defense spending and the threat of tariffs add significant economic pressure. Von der Leyen's delayed response and emphasis on shared values suggest a strategic attempt to manage a complex and potentially adversarial relationship.
- What is the immediate impact of President von der Leyen's decision to forgo attending President Trump's inauguration, and what are the implications for EU-US relations?
- Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, will not attend Donald Trump's inauguration but seeks early contact with his administration. She is recovering from pneumonia and has canceled all external commitments until mid-January, working from home. A spokesperson stated that they will seek early contact with the new administration, the form of which is currently unspecified.
- How does the EU's response to Trump's threat on Greenland compare to other international reactions, and what does this reveal about the EU's priorities and potential vulnerabilities?
- Von der Leyen's cautious approach contrasts with other European leaders. Her previous conversation with Trump covered defense, the Ukraine war, trade, and energy, including a potential increase in US LNG imports to avoid tariffs. Trump's subsequent threat to use military force to acquire Greenland, however, has shifted the dynamic.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The narrative is structured to emphasize the potential challenges and threats posed by Trump's return to power. The headline (if there was one, which is missing from the provided text) would likely reflect this framing. The article leads with Von der Leyen's absence from the inauguration and then focuses on Trump's controversial statements regarding Greenland and his demands for increased NATO spending. This sequencing prioritizes negative aspects of the situation, potentially shaping the reader's perception of the overall relationship.
Language Bias
While generally neutral in tone, the article uses language that subtly emphasizes the negative aspects of Trump's presidency. Phrases such as "controversial statements," "threatened to reduce," and "painful territorial concessions" evoke negative emotions and frame Trump's actions in a critical light. More neutral alternatives might include "statements regarding," "indicated a potential reduction in," and "territorial adjustments.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the potential conflicts and disagreements between the EU and Trump's administration, but omits details about areas of potential cooperation or common ground. While mentioning Von der Leyen's initial phone call with Trump as "excellent" and focusing on the EU's desire for a functional relationship, the piece doesn't elaborate on the specific areas of agreement or shared interests discussed. This omission creates a somewhat unbalanced perspective.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat false dichotomy by primarily focusing on the potential negative impacts of Trump's presidency on the EU, without adequately exploring the possibility of positive outcomes or a more nuanced relationship. For example, while the threat of tariffs is highlighted, the potential benefits of increased LNG imports are only briefly mentioned.
Gender Bias
The article focuses primarily on the actions and statements of male political leaders (Trump, Orban, Meloni, Scholz), while Von der Leyen's role is largely presented in reaction to their actions. While her illness is mentioned as a reason for her absence from the inauguration, the focus remains on her subsequent responses and the EU's reaction to Trump's statements. This could be seen as underrepresenting female leadership in the narrative.
Sustainable Development Goals
Trump's threats to use military force to acquire Greenland, coupled with his potential reduction of military and financial support to Ukraine, directly undermine international peace and security. His pressure on NATO allies to increase defense spending also introduces instability. The EU's cautious response highlights the challenges to maintaining strong institutions and upholding international law in the face of such threats. The quotes regarding Trump's statements on Greenland and military intervention in Ukraine directly support this assessment.