On astonishing words – The Economist:

‘“It is clear that the Americans, at least this part of the Americans, this administration”, Mr Merz said, “are largely indifferent to the fate of Europe.” He went on to declare it his “absolute priority” to help Europe achieve “independence from the usa”. These are astonishing words from an incoming German chancellor, the leader of the Christian Democrats (cdu) and a lifelong Atlanticist. Unfortunately, Mr Merz is right: Europe does indeed have to contemplate being able to defend itself without America fighting by its side. His problem is that saying it is easier than doing something about it.’

(…)

‘But the alternative would be worse. Seeking to mobilise public opinion by being critical of Mr Trump, Mr Merz risks driving America out of nato even faster—or at least advertising the alliance’s faultlines to Russia. If he does not find a way to raise funds and devise a multi-year strategy for Europe to take up its own defence, he will leave Germany even more vulnerable. Most new leaders are not tested before they enter office. But Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin wait for no one.’

Read the article here.

Yes, Mr. Trump and Mr. Putin would like to Europe raw, as steak tartare.

Mr. Trump and Mr. Musk might not even be interested in Europa as a museujm unless they can turn it into the Trump and Musk museum.

Is NATO going to survive, is the EU going to survive?

Is in twenty years from now, or less, war between France and Germany again conceivable?

I know the Europeans; they might as well conclude that would like to eat each other before they will be eaten by an empire.