President of the United States Donald Trump has have been here, there and everywhere in the media, since he was sworn in as President of the United States for the second time. Therefore, it also permeates presidententen in this week's Current Debate. After just a few month wed mathe cat has his politics already has left an imprint on both international aid and the conditions for peace negotiations in Ukraine.
Donald Trump's return to the White House has quickly made itself felt, not only in the United States but also in Europe, where his policies have left their mark on everything from trade tariffs and aid cuts to a changed American attitude towards Ukraine.
Wednesday's phone call between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, in which a willingness to begin peace negotiations over the war in Ukraine was signaled, has sparked criticism and concern for Europe's future security.
I Svenska Dagbladet Olof Ehre commentsresume the conversation:
- He consistently brushes aside the war criminal Putin, while Ukraine, which is the attacked and the victim of all these crimes and destruction, is not even given access to the negotiations.
Ehrenkrona warns that TrumpThe administration's actions risk undermining the international order, with serious consequences for Europe's security.
Europe must stand on its own feet
Sharp criticism also comes from Express Patrik Kronqvist, but aimed at Europe:
- That an American presidential election can have such dramatic consequences for our continent is our own fault, he writes, pointing to Europe's long-standing dependence on US military protection.
I Aftonbladet Susanna Kierkegaard emphasizes the importance of Europe developing a clear strategy to counter Trump's confrontational policy towards the continent.
- It is no longer enough to wait. Europe must demand a place at the negotiating table, she writes.
I Goteborgs-posten Kerstin Bergeå emphasizes the importance of Sweden taking the initiative for diplomatic solutions for Ukraine and not leaving room for Trump to dictate the terms alone:
- With Trump at the helm, Sweden must be an active counterforce, not a passive follower.
Aid is also about global security
Trump's decision to freeze aid from the US also requires more global leadership from Sweden and Europe, writes Anna Tibblin, Secretary General of We Effect in Everything.
The shutdown of the USAID aid agency has not only had consequences for humanitarian organizations but also for farmers in developing countries. Thatta leather also to hunger and increased insecurity in developing countries as well as in Sweden and Europe she writes.
Anna Tibblin wants to see the government and the EU fill the void left by USAID and she is not alone.
This week, Foreign Minister Malmer presented Stoneguard 2025 Foreign Policy Declaration which sets the direction of the government's foreign policy.
I Aftonbladet comments 16 aid organizations the foreign declaration, which they describes as “remarkably aloof”. They urge the Foreign Minister to push for a the sea ambitious Swedish and European aid policy.
- It is not only morally right, but also strategically necessary, the organizations' representatives write..
Since otherwise we risk moving towards a more anti-democratic world order, they arguethe batters.
Criticism of Swedish cuts
Even in Sweden, the government has implemented major changes in aid in the near futured. One of the organizations that has lost svenska aid moneyr is Unrwa, the UN relief agency for Palestinian refugees.
This learn not only worsen the humanitarian disaster in Gaza but also harm Israel, writes Yehuda Shaul from the Israeli organization Breaking the Silence in a debate article i Svenska Dagbladet. Which means that noath-takingen av UNRWA risk to create more instability in the region.
I Today's ETC criticizes MPs Azra Muranovic (S) and Olle Thorell (S) government cuts av Swedish aid.
– It's not just about aid, it's also about what kind of country we want to beShould Sweden be a country that stands up for children's rights and international solidarity? Or a country that turns a blind eye when children die of hunger and disease?
Donald Trump's political imprint of Europe
Trump's new world is a nightmare for Sweden
Patrik Kronqvist, Expressen
Sweden's dismantling of diplomacy leaves a walkover for Trump in Ukraine
Kerstin Bergeå, Chairman, Swedish Peace and Arbitration Association, Göteborgs-Posten
These are fateful days for Ukraine
Olof Ehrenkrona, Svenska Dagbladet
Now Trump has started to turn into Putin
Susanna Kierkegaard, Aftonbladet
Aid is also about global security
Now the EU and Sweden must do more to stop world hunger
Anna Tibblin, We Effect, Altinget
Our minister looks away as Trump creates chaos
16 aid organizations, Aftonbladet
The government's changes to Swedish development assistance
Debate: Trump is ruining things for the children – and Tidö is making it worse
Azra Muranovic (S) and Olle Thorell (S), members of parliament in the Foreign Affairs Committee, Dagens ETC
“Ending support for Unrwa harms Israel”
Yehuda Shaul, Breaking the Silence, Svenska Dagbladet
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