Donald Trump perceives the North Atlantic Treaty Organization as an „economic project“. The United States ensure geopolitical shield, but in return they require economic exclusivity. This was mentioned by the French president Emmanuel Macron in a dialogue for The Economist. These words are very serious, and can have impact on the whole North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and in the context of the purchase of new helicopters they can also influence the Czech Republic. It is hard to tell, how is president Trump going to react. Recently his behaviour has been hardly predictable.

Picture: President Macron with his wife Brigitte and Donald Trump in Washington | Wikimedia Commons

From Macron’s point of view the change of president Trump’s attitude in the question of Syria, when he left his Allies at the mercy, was the last straw. At the same time there is a significant role of Turkey, who became an aggressor, and their president Erdogan’s rhetoric is more than aggressive towards Europe. We can mention threats in the form of admitting 3.5 million refugees to Europe, or even more serious words. This would in fact mean a safety threat, which could bring Europe closer to the times of brutal terrorist attacks, which France, Belgium and other countries are familiar with.

Picture: At the same time there is a significant role of Turkey, who became an aggressor, and their president Erdogan’s rhetoric is more than aggressive towards Europe. | Shutterstock

„The United States do not at all coordinate their strategic decisions with their NATO partners. Besides, members of the military alliance now witness aggression triggered by another NATO member – Turkey. The aggression occurred in a region, where our interests are in question, and without Turkey coordinating it. What happened is a serious problem for NATO,“ added Macron. In addition to it he raised a logical, rhetorical question. „Article five of the North Atlantic Treaty on collective defence speaks clearly. This article determines that an attack against one or more NATO countries is regarded as an attack against all members of the Treaty. If Assad decides to react to Turkish aggression, shall we join?“

Picture: „The United States do not at all coordinate their strategic decisions with their NATO partners,“ said Macron | Wikimedia Commons

These words mean at least a big disagreement across the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Furthermore, another important aspect arises here. If our ally does not behave in a way an ally should behave, can we rely on him? Actually, can we rely on weapon system supplies from the USA? Or should Europe rely on itself, as Macron de facto says, and focus especially on its own development and production? What could this mean for the Czech Republic? With regard to the forthcoming final signature of the agreement on helicopters at least to become more vigilant. Can we afford to buy technical equipment with anticipated operation of several tens of years from a partner, who turns his back on his allies? Or is it the right time to re-evaluate planned purchases and rely on domestic solution?