Thought 1: Europe Gave Everything. Now What?
Yesterday’s Frustration
Yesterday, I read Zelensky’s statements about a supposed "deal" mediated by Trump. I wasn’t angry at the politics itself, but at the short memory of those who seem to forget what Europe we, the citizens, not just governments—has done.
A few numbers, to refresh memories:
- Over 4.3 million Ukrainian refugees welcomed in EU countries (Source), with healthcare and education systems opened unconditionally.
- Billions of euros in military, humanitarian, and economic aid since 2022 (details here).
- Ordinary families (like mine) who opened their doors, donated goods, and paid extra taxes to support the effort.
- Energy: We gave up Russian gas at great cost (skyrocketing bills, inflation), while Ukraine rightly asked for support.
My Frustration
We didn’t make "deals." We gave, while our politicians were called "too slow" or "divided." Now, faced with a Trump who treats war like a real estate negotiation, I’d expect a little more gratitude and consistency from those who received our solidarity.
I still remember the shock of seeing the "fight" in the Oval Office between Trump and Zelensky, with U.S. leaders throwing accusations at him. We Europeans, in the end, were the ones who paid the most - after the Ukrainian people, of course. And now this same figure is doing to us what the Americans did to him?
I understand realpolitik; I understand war is complicated. But as a European who paid out of my own pocket, I disagree. Europe isn’t perfect, but it doesn’t deserve to be dismissed as a secondary player, especially by someone who now seems ready to sit at the table with those who destroyed their own country.
Europe has its flaws, but it’s the only place in the world where a citizen like me can criticize its leaders without ending up in jail, where I can choose to heat my home with pellets instead of Russian gas, and where I can dream of raising 50 chickens in peace while the world around us seems to have gone mad.
It may not be much. But it’s my little contribution, and I stand by it.
(Now, I’m off to feed the chickens. After all, they’re European citizens too.) 🐔🇪🇺