Europeans are quietly preparing to break free from Donald Trump's grasp. To outsiders, it may seem like business as usual, but behind closed doors, EU leaders and policymakers are taking steps to disentangle themselves from the unpredictable US president.
The plan is not to completely sever ties with Washington, but to create a degree of financial separation that limits Trump's ability to exert control over European economies. This could involve closing joint bank accounts, cutting credit cards, or even issuing eurobonds β sovereign bonds issued in euros β as an alternative to US Treasury bonds.
Several European pension funds have already taken the first step by announcing plans to sell their remaining US government bonds. The AkademikerPension fund in Denmark, with a multibillion-pound investment portfolio, has sold all its US bonds and is now looking to hedge against potential losses.
Experts say that if more pension funds follow suit, it could create a ripple effect, leading to increased sales of US bonds across the continent. This would not only reduce Europe's exposure to US debt but also provide an alternative safe haven for investors.
The European Commission has been exploring this idea for years, and now is the time to take action. Brussels can create a permanent market for eurobonds, which could rival the existing US bond market. While there are logistical challenges to overcome, the benefits of such a move would be significant.
By creating their own debt market, Europeans can insulate themselves from Trump's threats of financial punishment and reduce their reliance on US Treasury bonds. It's a clever move that has been gaining momentum, and it's essential for Europe to take action before it's too late.
The signs are clear: the post-World War II order is under threat, and Washington's next president will likely be just as belligerent. By taking control of their financial destiny, Europeans can reduce their vulnerability to Trump's antics and create a more stable future for themselves and their economies.
It's time for Europe to assert its independence from Washington and build a new relationship with the global economy that reflects its values and interests. The time to act is now, and it starts with creating a rival market for eurobonds that could drain the US bond market even further.
The plan is not to completely sever ties with Washington, but to create a degree of financial separation that limits Trump's ability to exert control over European economies. This could involve closing joint bank accounts, cutting credit cards, or even issuing eurobonds β sovereign bonds issued in euros β as an alternative to US Treasury bonds.
Several European pension funds have already taken the first step by announcing plans to sell their remaining US government bonds. The AkademikerPension fund in Denmark, with a multibillion-pound investment portfolio, has sold all its US bonds and is now looking to hedge against potential losses.
Experts say that if more pension funds follow suit, it could create a ripple effect, leading to increased sales of US bonds across the continent. This would not only reduce Europe's exposure to US debt but also provide an alternative safe haven for investors.
The European Commission has been exploring this idea for years, and now is the time to take action. Brussels can create a permanent market for eurobonds, which could rival the existing US bond market. While there are logistical challenges to overcome, the benefits of such a move would be significant.
By creating their own debt market, Europeans can insulate themselves from Trump's threats of financial punishment and reduce their reliance on US Treasury bonds. It's a clever move that has been gaining momentum, and it's essential for Europe to take action before it's too late.
The signs are clear: the post-World War II order is under threat, and Washington's next president will likely be just as belligerent. By taking control of their financial destiny, Europeans can reduce their vulnerability to Trump's antics and create a more stable future for themselves and their economies.
It's time for Europe to assert its independence from Washington and build a new relationship with the global economy that reflects its values and interests. The time to act is now, and it starts with creating a rival market for eurobonds that could drain the US bond market even further.