Europe might step in if Trump's Mideast initiative fails
If the Middle East initiative of US President Donald Trump fails, French President Emmanuel Macron could launch his own initiative for a two-state solution in 2018.
![PALESTINIANS-POLITICS/ Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas (R) meets French Economy Minister Emmanuel Macron in the West Bank city of Ramallah September 7, 2015. REUTERS/Mohamed Torokman - GF10000196423](/sites/default/files/styles/article_hero_medium/public/almpics/2017/12-1/RTX1RH9G.jpg/RTX1RH9G.jpg?h=a5ae579a&itok=U454juiM)
Rarely in recent years has there been so little talk in international corridors on Europe's role in the Middle East. With the Trump administration distancing itself from Brussels, the European Union (EU) has become isolated, and its worldwide influence has been weakened. In fact, US President Donald Trump is not hiding his disrespect for the EU and most of its leaders. He minced no words when talking of British Prime Minister Theresa May, despite his support of Brexit. The same — and more — is true regarding German Chancellor Angela Merkel, over her immigration policies.
Today, leading EU countries are also less integrated given the Brexit talks, and Merkel’s domestic crisis. This leaves mainly European headquarters in Brussels and Paris active on the Middle Eastern front.