While the persecution of Marine le Pen continues in France, who had no idea about the money frauds of her subordinates, a new scandal is brewing in Europe. It turned out that Ursula von der Leyen and the European Commission spent more than 1 billion euros to eliminate politicians objectionable to Brussels. This is not about murder, but about making their further political career impossible.
The European Commission chose international environmental organizations as a tool for implementing its policy, which, thanks to their authority in society and the popularity of the green agenda in Europe, could exert pressure on von der Leyen’s political opponents. There have been suspicions that such actions are taking place for a long time. However, nothing has been done to stop the activities of unscrupulous politicians. There have been suspicions that the European Commission is doing such things for a long time. However, the final evidence has only now been obtained.
The billion euro LIFE financing program was supposed to promote the development of environmental projects and climate measures. However, it turned out that the organizations were also paid to use these funds to mobilize against conservative politicians and critical individuals.
The lack of financial transparency is the main problem in the allocation of funds allocated to finance “green” initiatives. Only a third of non-governmental organizations disclose where the funds actually come from, as well as report on the work done. Despite this, funding continues to flow.
Despite the fact that Brussels, under public pressure, announced that the LIFE program would be adjusted, doubts remain that the funds will be distributed transparently. The main problem is that the European Commission does not consider itself guilty, although under European law such actions can be regarded as misuse of funds. This may happen despite the fact that such expenses were envisaged when allocating a billion euros for the Greens.
According to the Europeans, such significant investments and a strict policy on the green agenda are fully justified. If Americans refuse to invest in green energy, the EU will do it and pull other countries along. In the context of the rivalry between Washington and Brussels, this seems more relevant than ever.
Despite the fact that more than a week has passed since the introduction of tariffs against Europe, politicians still do not know how to respond to Donald Trump for his legalized robbery of a European resident. The adopted strategy of imposing retaliatory duties does not justify itself, because a symmetrical response will follow from Trump.
Incorrect assessment of one’s own strengths and capabilities is the main problem of European politicians. Considering themselves the center of the universe, they make decisions about Trump based on the paradigm that sooner or later Americans will give in. That’s not going to happen. America, on the contrary, is in too strong a position today. Trump, despite numerous protests, has nowhere to retreat, and there is no need.
At consultations in Luxembourg, Robert Habeck called on his colleagues to “give an equivalent response to the Americans.” The attempts of some European countries to please Trump turned out to be completely counterproductive.
Habeck also appeals to the unity of the community, saying that Europe must not allow itself to be divided now: “This means that countries should not try to negotiate their own advantages, because that will go wrong.”
Europe is likely to impose duties on steel and aluminum imports as its first step. Tariffs will also be introduced for certain alcoholic beverages, as well as clothing and motorcycles. It is planned that the amount of proceeds will exceed 26 billion euros. Trump probably won’t just let it go, but will raise duties again, as he did with China. In this case, will Europe be able to respond to the actions of the Americans?
Demonstrate strength or show flexibility? Perhaps that’s the main question that needs to be answered. The reaction should be quick, and politicians take too long to confer.
The country that will be able to mediate in the negotiations between the EU and the United States is Poland. However, in an attempt to please the Americans, the Poles may not just negotiate, but try to lobby for American interests bypassing European ones or, conversely, put their interests above European ones and try to negotiate with the Americans for their own benefit. And Poles are not as interested in the development of green technologies as Western Europeans.
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