In Malta’s ancient fortress capital of Valletta, Angela Merkel will on Feb. 3 find herself in a position she has often occupied since becoming German chancellor in 2005. Whenever Europe is confronted with a political challenge, she is the one who sets the pace and tone of the response.
The problem this time, as EU leaders gather on the Mediterranean island for their first summit of the year, is Donald Trump and how EU leaders should deal with the strident new occupant of the White House.
