Core Points - The EU is at a critical juncture, facing deadlines to fund Ukraine without U.S. assistance and to diversify its supply chains away from the U.S. while expanding trade with South American countries [2][3] - Failure in either area could damage the EU's reputation and reinforce claims of European "weakness" made by former U.S. President Trump [2][3] Funding Ukraine - The EU's preferred funding solution for Ukraine involves utilizing billions of frozen Russian assets, proposing to loan €90 billion (approximately $106 billion) to Ukraine over the next two years [3][4] - Belgium opposes this plan due to concerns about potential legal repercussions if Russia regains access to these assets [4] - The urgency is heightened as Ukraine is expected to run out of funds by April next year, necessitating a swift agreement from the EU [5] Trade with South America - The trade agreement with the Mercosur countries (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay) is seen as a significant test of the EU's ability to provide a reliable alternative to U.S. influence [6][7] - This agreement is poised to be the largest in EU history and aims to counteract Trump's attempts to assert U.S. dominance in Latin America [7] - Concerns from France about domestic agricultural protests could delay the signing of the agreement, which is critical for maintaining EU credibility in global trade [8] Geopolitical Implications - The decisions regarding Ukraine and trade will serve as a litmus test for the EU's capability to assert itself as a geopolitical actor in a world increasingly dominated by major powers like the U.S. and China [9] - The EU's response to these challenges will determine whether it can maintain its influence and credibility on the global stage [9]