Europe's Safety Net: The Uncomfortable Dance With Washington Belgium's defense minister, Theo Francken, has highlighted the precarious balance between transatlantic relations and European self sufficiency.
In a recent statement, he emphasized the need for strong ties with President Donald Trump while cautioning against targeting Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, whom he affectionately refers to as "the queen of centre right in Europe.
" Francken's words are laced with pragmatism, acknowledging that Europe cannot afford to alienate Washington while it works to strengthen its own defense capabilities.