Between the European Union and the United States there is no agreed position on Russia. This recognition was made by the chairman of the European Council, Donald Tusk. Controversy opened during the meeting of US President Donald Trump with the heads of EU institutions in Brussels.
"I can not say that we have a 100% common position with regard to Russia. However, as for the conflict in Ukraine, it seems that we are on the same line, "Tusk told journalists after the end of the talks.
He said that the European officials discussed with the US President the issues of foreign policy, security, trade and ecology. The topic of Russia was also touched upon in the conversation and on this side the parties did not come to complete unanimity. However, Tusk did not specify the exact differences.
If it comes to sanctions, disagreements can be a good sign for the Russian Federation. Tusk has repeatedly repeatedly confirmed its commitment to continue sanctions pressure on Moscow. Trump unambiguous statements in this respect did not do. It is possible that on this issue he does not agree with the Europeans.
Washington has a different view of the discussion on Russia. After yesterday's meeting with the President and Prime Minister of Italy, Sergio Mattarella and Paolo Gentiloni, the head of the White House declared full mutual understanding on the Russian issue.
"President Trump confirmed the transatlantic unity on the issue of bringing Russia to justice for its actions in the Crimea and the east of Ukraine and noted that it is important to convince Russia to fulfill its obligations under the Minsk agreements," the White House.
According to Tusk, the European Union and the United States also failed to resolve the differences on the topic of trade and combating climate change during negotiations in Brussels. He noted that this issue remains open.
Both sides, however, radiate positive and assure each other and those around in unlimited friendship. According to Tusk, the main Western values, such as freedom, human rights and respect for human dignity, constitute a deep meaning and foundation of friendship and cooperation between the European Union and the United States. "These values ??should be higher than interests in politics," the head of the European Council. They will help the parties to eliminate all misunderstandings from relations.
However, the main tests for European-American relations are yet to come. Donald Trump will attend the NATO summit - an organization he previously called atavism.
And if there is no need to discuss the joint participation of the sides in the fight against international terrorism, the issue of financing an alliance can cause a lot of controversy.
Trump is going to strongly insist that NATO members assume more responsibility for the fate of the alliance, including covering financial expenses. One of the main demands of the head of the White House is to allocate 2% of the GDP of each NATO country to military spending. So far, even the most prosperous members of the alliance are far from this indicator.