Author: Senator Jeff Flake- Republican from Arizona- January 17, 2018 -Speech from the US Senate Floor.

Text has been edited

A President  needs a clear sense of what U.S. interests are, a decent understanding of how international politics works, a sound knowledge of the basic mechanics of international trade, a certain empathy for how others view the world even if one doesn’t share their views, and enough consistency to elicit reliable cooperation from others over time. A President also needs the discipline and management skills to assemble the right team, set clear priorities, and not be thrown off course by unexpected events.

After one year since inauguration, The Trump Administration has yet to nominate a US Ambassador for

1. European Union
2. Austria
3. Belgium
4. Hungary
5. Ireland
6. Sweden

Yet, there are

1. 1300 US companies in Sweden
2. 900 US companies in Belgium
3. 700 US Companies in Ireland
4. 340 US companies in Austria
5. 200 US companies in Hungary

US Exports (2017) Billion US$ (Trade in Goods)

An American President holds great authority and assumes incredible responsibility that expands even beyond the United States, Trump’s comments about so-called 'shithole countries' were entirely inappropriate. Language like that shouldn’t be heard in the White House. On the International Stage, each country, despite their true beliefs and opinions, must maintain some form of reputable criticism.

1. Czech Presidential Elections: 12-13 January 2018
2. Cyprus Presidential Elections: 28 January 2018
3. Finnish Presidential Elections: 28 January 2018
4. Italian General Election: 4 March 2018
5. Russian Presidential Election: 18 March 2018
6. Dutch Local Elections: 21 March 2018
7. Montenegrin Presidential Elections: On or before 7 April 2018
8. Hungarian Parliamentary Elections: 11 April 2018

Over the past two decades, the relationship between China and Russia has evolved from a marriage of convenience into one of enduring strategic value for both countries, one that China describes as a comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination. Chinese policymakers recognize the limitations of the Sino-Russian relationship and do not aspire to transform it into a formal alliance. Nonetheless, China has strong incentives to further enhance its relationship with Russia, covering economic, military, and diplomatic cooperation.

During the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the period 1 January – 30 June 2018, the Republic of Bulgaria will strive in a positive spirit towards achieving future-oriented and realistic results, following the principles of transparency and accountability and realizing an “open to citizens” Presidency.

Priorities

THE FUTURE OF EUROPE AND THE YOUNG PEOPLE-ECONOMIC GROWTH AND SOCIAL COHESION

Source: Reuters

Italian elections will take place on 4 March 2018. Main Political Parties and their Policies

Centre Left: Ruling Democratic Party, leader Matteo Renzi

Source: Craig Hamilton Parker

Facts