The huge uncertainty surrounding the future of US foreign, security and trade policy opens new horizons for the EU in most parts of Asia, writes Cambre Senior Adviser Fraser Cameron in EurActiv.
Asked in Washington last Friday (10 February) whether the EU was ready to take on a greater leadership role, Federica Mogherini gave a clear answer. ‘Yes, we are ready’ said the EU’s foreign policy chief. Given the international criticism and uncertainty surrounding Donald Trump’s entry into the White House could this indeed be an opportunity for the EU to come of age on the global stage?
At first sight the idea may sound far-fetched what with Brexit, the refugee crisis and the rise of populism throughout Europe. But the EU remains the largest market in the world, the largest provider of development assistance and the strongest supporter of the multilateral system. The European political system has been shaken up but to date there are no populist parties governing any major member state. It is this boring reliability that other powers, especially in Asia, are beginning to recognise as a strength, especially given the unpredictability surrounding the future of US foreign policy. [Read more]