Photo by Mika Baumeister on Unsplash
The European Union has been told it must stand on its own two feet, to fight both climate collapse and the rise of autocrats.
The blunt message came from the European Greens as Donald Trump started his 2nd term as US president on Monday.
It also follows President Trump’s intention, announced soon after his swearing in, to pull the US out of the Paris climate accord which was agreed to help tackle climate change.
He also said he intends to withdraw the US from the WHO.
The Greens say he has already announced his intention to roll back climate and social policies, and rules on social media.
A statement added, “This is unsurprising after research showed that oligarchs from Big Oil and big technology companies have consistently funded Trump’s campaign.”
Ciarán Cuffe, co-chair of the European Green Party, said, “The evidence of the climate crisis is all around us, from the recent floods in Valencia to the fires in Los Angeles. Over the last five years, the European Union, with strong support from the Greens, has started to turn the Green Deal from vision into action. Trump would take us backwards. Now is the time to be guided by science, to step up ambitious climate action, and to resist Trump’s attempts to dismantle global climate agreements.”
“In recent years, the EU has tried to curb corporate excesses with legislation on digital services. Though these haven’t gone as far as they could have, it was already too much for Elon Musk who takes issue with any limitations on his exploitative business model which puts profit before people, democracy, and the planet.”
“We are proud of our Europe – a Europe that protects its people and gives the people a voice in political decisions – not the billionaires, as in Trump’s USA. In this time of change, we must continue to show solidarity with the vulnerable, support those threatened by conflict, and uphold European values of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law.”
Further reaction comes from Vula Tsetsi, co-chair of the European Green Party who said, “Through his European allies Viktor Orbán, Giorgia Meloni and other far-right politicians, Trump is threatening democracy in the European Union and its values of respect and unity. He does not believe in multilateralism and cooperation. Trump’s statements on Greenland, Panama and Canada, are colonial, violent, dangerous and driven by economic interests.”
“Only a strong European voice can counterbalance these very serious developments. Now is the time for European leaders to stand together and defend European values, multilateralism and democracy. The European Greens are ready to forge alliances with progressive forces in order to counterbalance Trump’s dangerous, anti-climate, anti-democracy, far-right agenda. We will push for increased European support for Ukraine against Russian aggression, for stronger diplomatic efforts for a permanent ceasefire in the Middle East, and for the future of Greenland to be decided by its people.”
However, some MEPs have warmly welcomed another Trump presidency.
The Co-Chairmen of the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) Group in the European Parliament congratulated Trump on his inauguration as the 47th President of the United States.
ECR Co-Chairman Nicola Procaccini said: “My warmest congratulations to President Trump on the start of his second term. The American people have made a clear choice—one that reflects a commitment to economic growth, security and national sovereignty.”
“We in the ECR share many of the priorities outlined by President Trump: tackling illegal migration, ensuring safer communities, cutting taxes and red tape, and restoring economic competitiveness. These are not just American priorities, they’re also European priorities.”
ECR Co-Chairman Patryk Jaki added: “President Trump’s second term is a defining moment not only for the United States, but also for its allies around the world. Europe needs strong partners, but we must also be a reliable ally in return. The ECR Group welcomes this new administration with optimism and looks forward to deepening our cooperation on security and global stability.”
“This new chapter is an opportunity to further strengthen our ties and work together to advance pragmatic solutions that benefit both sides of the Atlantic.”
