The statements of US President Donald Trump about Greenland and the Panama Canal should be a “kick in the ass” for the leaders of European countries. This was stated by the head of the French Defense Ministry Sebastien Lecornu on January 21 on the air of Radio France Inter.
According to him, European states should start thinking about the formation of a European defense system independent of the United States.
“For European capitals, to put it crudely, this is a serious kick in the ass because for many decades, including the 1960s at the beginning of the Cold War, there has always been a temptation to position themselves under the American nuclear umbrella,” he commented.
Lecornu also expressed hope that after Trump’s statement, European countries will become like France and stop entrusting their security to the United States.
“Maybe the harshness of the American president’s words can finally lead to shock and realization,” he concluded.