Since the end of World War II, the USA has permitted a system of one-way trade rules that allowed Europe to rebuild on the backs of the American economy.  A series of trade tariffs against U.S. goods was imposed to raise funds for the reconstruction.  Those tariffs never ended; the Marshall Plan continues through today.

Additionally, as a measure to allow the EU to focus internally, the USA provided most of the national security protection for the entire region and the American taxpayer funded U.S. military operations throughout Europe so the EU could spend defense money on their rebuilding.   Again, that never really ended; and the USA maintains the largest majority of NATO military spending.

President Trump has stated his intention to reset both dynamics.  To lower the USA footprint within NATO, demand every NATO member meet its financial obligations, and to reset the trade and tariff system to create equity and reciprocity; thereby effectively ending the Marshall Plan.

The aggregate European Union does not like this Trump trade agenda, nor are they willing to spend more on their own defense.  Today, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen held a press briefing where she spoke about the looming negotiations with President Trump, and stated the EU will never permit financial, economic or military equity.  The EU will fight any effort to stop the Marshall Plan. WATCH:

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There are trillions at stake.

It is always, always, about the economics of the thing.