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What does Biden’s visit to Berlin mean for NATO and EU?

Published
6 months agoon
By
Ekwutos BlogUS President Joe Biden will meet with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and UK Prime Minister Kier Starmer in the German capital, Berlin, this week, as his presidency draws to an end.
His visit, initially scheduled for last week, included a meeting at Germany’s Ramstein air base, where he was set to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and key European leaders. After Biden’s visit was cancelled, Zelenskyy made stops in London, Rome, Berlin, and Paris to present his “Victory Plan” to European leaders.
With Biden preparing to hand over the reigns to either former President Donald Trump or Vice President Kamala Harris, governments across Europe have been making plans for both scenarios, but Europe is going to need to reduce its dependence on the US either way.
Euronews spoke with transatlantic expert Rachel Tausendfreund to discuss the US-EU relations amid ongoing discussions about Ukraine’s potential NATO membership.
Tausendfreund stresses that Europe needs to procure more weapons and ammo together and coordinate together.
“Separately, they’re all buying a decent amount of things or producing a decent amount of material,” she says, adding that because NATO member states are working alone, the capacity is “much lower than it should be.”
France supports producing fighter jets and munitions as a European initiative, but there are other countries, such as Germany, who say that weapons should be bought from wherever it is cheapest and most efficient, including from Israel, causing tension between states.
What would it mean for NATO if Trump wins?
“There are two scenarios. The optimistic kind of French scenario is that finally everyone will agree with France that Europe can’t rely on the US forever and therefore need to establish strategic autonomy. And that would also mean less reliance on US systems because you need also political support sometimes to use some of these weapon systems,” Tausendfreund explains.
She says that is an optimistic scenario that is unlikely to happen because countries on the eastern flank of Europe, who feel vulnerable due to their proximity to Russia, lean on their relationship with the US and focus on their own defences, which can lead to continued fragmentation within Europe for NATO member states.
Regarding the future of Ukraine, Tausendfreund suggests that if Trump were to win the election in less than three weeks, there would likely be a decrease in support for Ukraine.
She believes Trump is going to push Ukraine into negotiations almost immediately, using military support as leverage to pressure Kyiv into talks. “By early January, they’ll be forced to negotiate, regardless of the situation,” she says, underlining that it will probably be important to Trump to get some kind of deal so that he can sell it as a win.
The best-case scenario for NATO under a Trump presidency would be to have a strong EU response and coordination with the UK, leading to a Europeanisation of NATO that keeps the alliance robust, according to the expert. NATO states would need to achieve this by increasing capacity and filling in gaps that could be left if the US withdraws support.
“A positive scenario is you have really a Europeanised NATO where the Europeans are providing 60% of the defence and deterrence capability,” Tausendfreund says.
However, if NATO states and the EU doesn’t ramp up its defence capabilities, then it could become very weak by 2025, she warns.
And what about the consequences for NATO if Harris wins?
“I think we’re looking at one maybe two years of solid support, but with an eye to finding an exit strategy,” Tausendfreund says.
She hopes that a presidency under Kamala Harris could encourage the EU to coordinate together to strength the European pillar. She warns that if Europe continues along this path of not being united in making decisions, that the effects will be negative, and can lead to weakened European security, by 2027 or 2028.
“The US simply doesn’t have the capacity to stay focused on Europe to the extent that it has,” she explains.
On the topic of Ukraine, Tausendfreund says that “if Harris wins, you can expect the same level of support rhetorically as we’ve had in the Biden administration. And I actually think another big spending package would be possible, even if the Republicans have control of the Senate, because a significant number of Republicans, maybe not quite a majority, but close, actually support aiding Ukraine, as long as the political pressure is not that high.”
The future of NATO
Either way, the pressure to arm NATO is unlikely to diminish, regardless of who is elected. Without better cooperation between member states, Russia could feel emboldened and “make trouble on the continent,” the expert says.
Ukraine’s potential NATO membership?
“Ukraine will need pretty strong security guarantees from the NATO’s partners, be it in the form of membership or just in the form of bilateral security guarantees. Well, for that to work, these allies have to be credible security givers and they’re the Europeans that have a lot of work to do,” Tausendfreund adds.
And about Zelenskyy’s peace plan?
“It’s an ambitious plan. It’s clearly just putting on paper what he thinks they would need in order to win. I’m not sure that it’s very realistic he’s going to get it. He’s not going to get it from Biden. I don’t think that’s going to happen,” Tausendfreund says. But under a Harris administration, there could be more support.
Security experts are urging Europe to take a more united approach in producing weapons, and say they need to accelerate making tough decisions for the future of NATO.
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NATIONAL POLICE DAY: PREPARATIONS REACH CLIMAX; POLICE ENGAGE IN NATIONWIDE WALKATHON As IGP calls for inclusive policing in Nigeria.

Published
2 hours agoon
April 5, 2025By
Ekwutos Blog
PRESS RELEASE
NATIONAL POLICE DAY: PREPARATIONS REACH CLIMAX; POLICE ENGAGE IN NATIONWIDE WALKATHON
As IGP calls for inclusive policing in Nigeria.
The Nigeria Police Force preparations for it’s maiden National Police Day is reaching its climax, as Police Officers in all 36 State Commands across the nation and the FCT engage in a grand walkathon to promote community engagement and raise awareness for the Maiden National Police Day grand finale coming up on the 7th of April 2025.
The nationwide walkathon, which commenced from 6AM today, 5th of April, saw participation from officers of all ranks, as well as members of the public. The event was aimed to foster stronger relationships between the police and the communities, promoting cohesion and mutual understanding.
Furthermore, in continuation of preparations for the grand finale of the National Police Day celebration, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., today inspected parade rehearsals, exhibitions, amongst other activities at the Eagle Square, Abuja. The IGP expressed satisfaction with the level of preparedness, emphasizing the importance of a well-coordinated and impactful event to celebrate the gallantry and achievements of the Nigeria Police Force .
The IGP encourages all citizens to celebrate the Nigeria Police Force by actively participating in National Police Day events and show their support for the men and women who serve and protect our communities.
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EVENTS
Scavenger dies, three hospitalised as military grenade explodes in Lagos

Published
1 day agoon
April 4, 2025By
Ekwutos Blog
A yet-to-be-identified scavenger has been killed after a military-grade grenade exploded at Idi-Araba in the Mushin area of Lagos State.
Ekwutosblog learnt that three other persons were injured in the incident, which occurred on Thursday.
It was gathered that some scavengers in a metal scrap yard were attempting to dismantle one of the grenades in their possession.
The device, however denoted in the process, killing one of them on the spot while three others sustained severe injuries.
A resident, Akin Olawale, told our correspondent on Friday that the explosion which occurred in the afternoon also resulted in panic among residents.
He said, “A sound of explosion was heard around past 12 pm and the police were immediately contacted because no one could ascertain the cause. It was later when the police arrived that we discovered that it was a grenade. The scavengers were trying to cut one of them open when it detonated.”
Two undetonated grenades were said to have been found after security operatives arrived at the spot.
Another resident, who does not want his name mentioned, citing security reasons said the injured persons were taken to the hospital.
“We saw a vehicle moving some injured persons to the hospital and that was when we knew what happened. Those people we saw were terribly injured. It was when the vehicle stopped by a filling station that we saw them. The driver could not even wait because of the queue,” the resident disclosed.
When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the incident, adding the Explosive and Ordinance Department of the command has rendered the place safe.
He said, “The explosion was caused by a military-grade grenade. One person was killed and three were hospitalised. The incident happened at about 1:30pm and the Explosive and Ordinance Department has rendered the place safe.
“The scene of the incident has also been cordoned off. There is a zero possibility of another explosion and investigation has commenced.”
EVENTS
Adeyanju Commends AIG Gumel for Stance Against Emergency Declaration in Rivers State Amidst Persecution by IGP Egbetokun, Says Nigeria Need Courageous Men Like Him

Published
1 day agoon
April 4, 2025By
Ekwutos Blog
Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju has praised Assistant Inspector General of Police Usaini Gumel for his principled opposition to the recent illegal declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. In a statement released to journalists, Adeyanju lauded Gumel’s integrity and courage during a time when such values are often compromised.
Gumel’s willingness to publicly criticize this unconstitutional action, despite the sensitive nature of his position, serves as a beacon of hope for Nigeria, according to Adeyanju. “If more individuals like Gumel rise to speak out against the erosion of our democratic principles, there remains hope for a brighter future for Nigeria,” he stated.
However, the human rights lawyer expressed concern over the swift action taken by Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, who transferred Gumel to the Community Policing, Research, and Planning department. This transfer reportedly followed Gumel’s candid remarks about the state of emergency and the suspension of Governor Sim Fubara, raising questions about the integrity of the police force and the message it sends to those who challenge unlawful practices.
Adeyanju noted that Gumel’s comments were made informally among colleagues, and a breach of trust led to this unjust transfer, highlighting the urgent need for a supportive culture among those dedicated to justice.
He called on other courageous Nigerians, particularly those in positions of authority, to emulate Gumel’s example. “It is important that we collectively condemn acts of lawlessness and uphold our constitutional rights,” Adeyanju urged, emphasizing the importance of solidarity in the fight for justice and the preservation of democracy in Nigeria.

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