MUNICH 1938 AND 2025

There was the Munich of the Swan King.

Then there is the Munich of  infamy when countries were stripped and humiliated, because of the will of one and the cowardice or naivety of others.

The Atlantic meeting last week was a most unpleasant show. The Trump minions looked eager to get rid of the Ukrainian problem, on the cheap. Most Europeans sense that their Wagnerian idyll with today's America is now on life support.

Let's face it, it is over. The US vice-president was still expected as a friend. He left as an executioner. This year marks the end of the trans-Atlantic partnership of yesterday.

It is time for Europeans to face the music rather than to wait for an arrangement that the US might come up with, on the back of Ukraine and Europe. 

The "sect" around Trump lacks references or any empathy with Europe. The President is far from dumb. He is just wrongly wired and mistakes transaction for statesmanship. The growing "new look" of the oval office is the perfect illustration of the mindset of a parvenu on steroids. Hence he fits in the style of the ruling Russian mindset, which doesn't indulge in minimalism either.

The EU should regroup and give Ukraine full membership. Lessons can be learned from Finland or Poland who know how to live close to an objectional neighbor. And yes, NATO members should still pay more, as they do already for Ukraine.

The annual Munich gathering often ended in a family feud (Remember Iraq?). This latest one might end up in divorce. Once again Piketty sees the writing on the wall.

Putin cannot believe his luck. China cannot hide its glee. The Europeans will sulk together in Paris. Uninvited, the Belgian PM will be unforgiving. But who cares ?