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America's allies in Europe are debating how to prepare if former President Donald Trump wins another term. The discussion comes as Mr. Trump scored a landslide victory in the Republican primary in Iowa, cementing his place as the current front-runner to face President Joe Biden in November's election.
Donald Trump's victory in the primary election in the state of Iowa, the first state to open a race within the parties, for the nomination of the presidential candidate, appeared to be an alarm bell for America's European allies.
Asked about the possibility of Mr Trump returning to the White House, French President Emmanuel Macron said he would work with whoever is elected in November.
"They share the same values as us. But it is a democracy that is also going through a crisis, the main priority of which is its own interest, and secondly, the Chinese issue. As Europeans, we must be clear about this. That's why I want a stronger Europe that can defend itself and not depend on others," he said.
Presidents Macron and Trump had a difficult relationship. While campaigning in the state of Iowa this month, former President Trump poked fun at Mr Macron by mimicking his French accent as he recalled their discussions on trade tariffs.
But Europe's concerns go beyond the personalities of the US candidates. As Russian aggression in Ukraine continues, Kiev urgently needs Western military assistance.
Mr Trump has said he would seek an immediate peace deal between Ukraine and Russia. His Republican backers in Congress are blocking about $50 billion in military aid to Kiev. NATO allies are concerned that aid could be stopped altogether.
"The US is paying about half of the amount of Western aid. But Washington has a major, if not the major, role when it comes to strategic political issues in Ukraine. So the loss of the US in this alliance, in the sense of having a president who might actually be against the interests of Ukraine and the interests of Europe, would be a big blow," says Fabrice Pothier, former director for NATO policy planning.
The European Union's trade commissioner, Thierry Breton, said this month that Mr Trump had declared in 2020 that "the US would never help Europe if it was attacked" and would pull out of NATO. People close to Mr. Trump did not comment on the statements.
Former President Trump often demanded that America's NATO allies spend more on their defense. Many Europeans seem to have taken this message seriously.
"We need a more European NATO. I think the Americans will not leave us alone, but it is always useful to be prepared in the situation where we have to take more responsibility for our own defense. And I think the Americans are right about that," says Alexander Stubb, a presidential candidate in Finland.
Europe is investing more in defense, including increasing the production of ammunition and weapons for Ukraine. But replacing the central role the US has taken in Ukraine under President Biden would take time, something Kiev does not have. / VOA
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