The cautious silence of the EU in the face of the affronts of Donald Trump and Elon Musk

The future American president and the boss of X are increasing the attacks, particularly against Europeans. However, they do not respond, fearing in particular economic repercussions.

What can be the European response to Trump's all-out attacks against Canada and Greenland, and to Elon Musk's outings against the British Prime Minister or in support of the German far right? For the moment, the Twenty-Seven stand out above all for their silence and give the impression of not wanting to get angry with the future American president, less than two weeks before his inauguration.

This great caution is not only diplomatic. The countries of the European Union are having difficulty expressing a common position because, among them, certain leaders openly claim their ideological proximity to Donald Trump. This is the case of the Italian Giorgia Meloni or the Hungarian Viktor Orban. Others are careful not to respond for fear of reprisals.

It must be said that Donald Trump, even before making his official entry into the White House, has already put pressure on the Europeans, calling on them, as an ally within NATO, to drastically increase their military spending. . Or even by brandishing the threat of an increase in American customs duties on European products. And this multifaceted pressure strategy seems to be bearing fruit.

There was indeed Emmanuel Macron who castigated Monday “the reactionary international” that Elon Musk promotes on“openly attack institutions” and“stirring up hatred”. There are many regulations that allow the European Union to fight against foreign interference on social networks, but they still need to be characterized legally, and the difference between interference and the expression of a personal opinion.

Obviously, that of Elon Musk, boss of Europe.

Beyond subjects which concern the entire European Union, such as the level of customs duties, there are also subjects which concern each member state in a very precise manner.

As the boss of Tesla, it should be remembered that Elon Musk employs 10,000 people in Germany, a sector that is in bad shape and yet vital for the German economy. Other countries hope Musk will think of them if he plans to open more factories in Europe. And then, in addition to its social network X, there is also its space activity in the field of satellites with SpaceX. An agreement worth one and a half billion euros is also being negotiated with Italy for secure communications systems.