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| Anatol Țăranu | |
The recent Munich Security Conference highlighted the growing tensions between the United States and Europe, in the context of the new US foreign policy, dubbed by some experts as the "cowboy policy" and which has raised deep concerns among European leaders.
Background to the Munich 2025 Security Conference
Held from February 14-16, 2025, the 61st Munich Security Conference brought together nearly 60 heads of state or government and more than 100 ministers, with the war in Ukraine and a possible US peace plan at its center. Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenski attended in person, along with US Vice President JD Vance and President Donald Trump's special envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg.
At the conference, US Vice President JD Vance gave an inflammatory speech, criticizing Europe for its alleged lack of commitment to freedom of speech and democracy. He said that "if your democracy can be destroyed with a few hundred thousand dollars worth of digital ads in a foreign country, then it wasn't very strong in the first place". The comments sparked strong reactions from European leaders. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz rejected the accusations, stressing that German democracy is the result of opposition to National Socialism and fascism and that Germans decide their own democratic destiny.
Conference president Christoph Heusgen had an emotional reaction during his closing speech, expressing concern that shared values between Europe and the US are no longer so strong. He said, "This conference was born as a transatlantic forum, but after Vice President Vance's speech, we have to fear that the basis of our common values is no longer so common". These words were followed by standing applause from the participants.
US foreign policy and its impact on international relations
The Trump administration has adopted a foreign policy approach, promoting an "America First" agenda, which has generated tensions in relations with European allies. This policy has included initiatives such as direct negotiations with Russia to end the war in Ukraine without prior consultation with European partners or Ukraine. There are fears that a possible agreement could rule out Ukraine's chances of NATO membership and legitimize Russian territorial annexations, which would critically undermine European security.
In addition, the US proposal to obtain a 50% stake in Ukraine's mineral resources in exchange for support, without security guarantees, was rejected by President Zelenski. He emphasized that he did not believe in security guarantees without direct American involvement.
Such an American approach to relations with Europe, together with the suspension of funding from USAID programs, has caused a veritable tsunami of joy among Russian propagandists and politicians. The same mischievous euphoria is being experienced by the pro-Russian fifth column in Moldova.
Even if in the USAID area, over time, several problems have accumulated in the functioning of the program, nevertheless, it has been the most successful international promoter of the values of liberal democracy, with the highest yield of soft power policy ever operated internationally. The manner in which this program was suspended has been compared to the risk of throwing "the baby out with the bathwater", underlining the strategic losses that such a decision may entail.
Europe's reaction and the need for a common strategy
In the wake of these developments, European leaders met urgently in Paris to discuss a common strategy in the face of US policies and peace negotiations that risk excluding Europe and Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the importance of European unity and active participation in the peace process, warning that a deal between the US and Russia without Europe's involvement could have serious consequences for the continent's security.
In this context, Europe faces the challenge of strengthening its defense capabilities and assuming a more prominent role in global security policy. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said European countries must develop concrete plans for Ukraine if they want to play a major role in talks on a peace settlement.
Bad news for Romanians on both sides of the Prut came with the news that Romania was not invited to the summit, raising questions about its role on the European geopolitical scene. The gap with Poland, which is considered a key partner in the region, is significant, and the lack of a clear position towards the Republic of Moldova and national reunification can be cited as a possible reason for its diplomatic marginalization. For three decades Bucharest has been ignoring the issue of Bessarabia in the context of national reunification, demonstrating a lack of national dignity. And if you yourself do not respect yourself properly, why would you bet on the respect of foreigners?
Consequences for the Republic of Moldova
In the current complex geopolitical context, the Republic of Moldova is facing major challenges in its efforts to integrate into Europe and strengthen national security. Tensions between the US and Europe are bound to negatively influence the European course of the Republic of Moldova, given that Western support is essential for internal reforms and resistance to external influences, especially from Russia.
Several experts believe that a reconfiguration of US foreign policy, which started under the Trump presidency, may include a possible "division of spheres of influence" between the US and Russia. In this case, Trump would adopt a policy of non-involvement in Eastern Europe or even concessions to Russia, which could encourage Moscow to strengthen its influence in the former Soviet republics, including Moldova.
The Republic of Moldova continues to face the presence of Russian troops in Transnistria, and a more permissive US attitude towards Russia could strengthen the position of the separatist regime in Tiraspol. The isolationist policy could reduce US involvement in NATO and European security, leaving Moldova more vulnerable to Russian influence.
The deepening of Trump policy trends in Europe could mean a shift in the balance of power in the region, with increased risks for Moldova, especially if the US adopts a more conciliatory approach towards Russia. In this geopolitical environment, we must expect the influence of pro-Russian parties to increase on the Moldovan political scene, with a real risk of these forces taking over the government after the parliamentary elections in the fall. Under these circumstances, it is imperative for the pro-European forces to carefully coordinate their electoral tactics in order to mobilize the pro-European segment to the maximum possible extent in the forthcoming elections, without which it will not be possible to maintain Moldova's European course.
IPN publishes in the Op-Ed rubric opinion pieces submitted by authors not affiliated with our editorial board. The opinions expressed in these articles do not necessarily coincide with the opinions of our editorial board.
