Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba has called on the public and state institutions to respect, support, and collaborate with the private sector, describing it as an indispensable engine of Tanzania’s economic progress.

Addressing delegates at Tanzania Start-up Week 2025 on Tuesday, December 3, Dr Nchemba applauded the individuals and companies creating employment opportunities across the country. He noted that such entrepreneurial courage is vital to dismantling barriers and accelerating sustainable economic growth.

“Young people taking this step are the future of Tanzania,” he said. “You have chosen to be an example that it is possible.

” He emphasised that society must recognise, encourage, and uplift such efforts rather than diminish them. Dr Nchemba underscored the urgent need for stronger cooperation between the public and private sectors.

A negative attitude towards private enterprise, he argued, only undermines national progress. “If our perspective toward the private sector is negative, then the only way to ensure young people are respected is to build a strong private sector,” he said, noting that no nation has ever achieved a robust economy through public institutions alone.

The Prime Minister highlighted ongoing government reforms aimed at easing business operations and cutting bureaucratic delays. He assured entrepreneurs that the government stands ready to listen and respond swiftly to their needs.

“In government, we will be ready–and I will instruct everyone–that when you need facilitation, suspend all other matters. Listen to them, meet officers at any level.

I will personally ensure that the doors remain open,” he said. Dr Nchemba urged society to embrace entrepreneurship as a legitimate pathway to prosperity, noting that successful business leaders–including billionaires–play an integral role in job creation and overall economic growth.

“This mindset must change. We must move towards facilitation and enabling business.

These have been the President’s directives: reducing unnecessary control in matters concerning business. Business requires facilitation, not the idea that spending long hours proves your importance,” he said.

He further stressed that innovation will be central to delivering Tanzania Development Vision 2050, calling for products and technologies capable of scaling globally. “It requires Tanzanian innovation that captures global attention and generates demand,” he said, adding that start-ups and emerging enterprises will remain at the heart of this transformation.

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Dar es Salaam. Bus operators in Tanzania are preparing for a major shift in the country’s public transport sector, with plans to introduce electric buses as early as next year.

The initiative marks a significant step towards greener and more efficient travel for thousands of commuters who depend on long-distance and intercity services. For Shabiby Company Limited, one of the country’s largest fleet operators, the transition is already underway.

The firm’s manager, Mr Edward Magawa, told The Citizen that preparations are progressing well as the operator moves towards adopting electric mobility. Mr Magawa said the company has long maintained a strong partnership with Yutong, a leading bus manufacturer, positioning Shabiby among the brand’s largest clients in the region.

This relationship, he noted, has laid the foundation for Shabiby’s entry into the electric bus era. “We are among Yutong’s biggest clients, and starting next year, we expect to begin procuring electric buses.

We have already placed an order for about 30 units, which are scheduled to start arriving by January,” he said. He added that the arrival of the first batch will signal the start of a trial phase aimed at assessing how the buses perform under Tanzania’s diverse road conditions.

The company plans to launch test routes linking Dar es Salaam, Dodoma and Arusha–selected for their moderate distances and high passenger traffic. “We will also test a longer route from Dodoma to Sumbawanga so we can evaluate how the buses perform on rough terrain and in hilly areas,” he said.

Mr Magawa added that the trials will help the company adjust operations and ensure passengers continue to enjoy reliable and comfortable services. According to Mr Magawa, Shabiby has invested heavily in preparing for the transition, including staff training and facility upgrades to support the new fleet.

He emphasised that passengers should expect the same standard of safety, comfort and quality for which the company is known, even as it experiments with new technology. The issue of transport fares is also under consideration.

Mr Magawa said that because the first phase will be a pilot, the company will work closely with the Land Transport Regulatory Authority (Latra) to determine appropriate fare structures. “If the buses prove to be cost-effective, fares are likely to go down, so our customers should be prepared for that possibility,” he said.

Director of Kimbinyiko Bus Company, Mr Ferdnand Mabumo, confirmed that his firm also plans to start importing electric buses next year. Procurement is expected to begin in February, with the first batch due to arrive in May.

“To start with, we will order five buses and gradually expand the fleet as we move forward. Once they arrive, we will then identify the most suitable routes,” he said.

Mr Mabumo added that the introduction of electric buses represents a pivotal moment for Tanzania as it looks towards a cleaner and more modern transport future–one that promises enhanced travel experiences and long-term environmental benefits. .

By Ramadhani Ismail and Joanne Mwita Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s ambition to build a competitive innovation economy came into sharp focus yesterday, December 2, as experts at the Tanzania Start-up Week 2025 warned that persistent financial barriers from gendered lending gaps to outdated investment regulations are slowing down the country’s progress.

The sessions brought together regulators, financiers, founders, and investors who each pointed to weaknesses within the financial and policy ecosystem that, if addressed, could significantly shift the country’s growth trajectory. According to the Financial Inclusion Manager at the Bank of Tanzania (BoT), Nangi Massawe, said that although women are increasingly entering high-growth sectors, they still face notable limitations in securing credit, venture capital, and equity financing.

“Across Tanzania today, women continue to lead micro and small businesses in trade, agriculture, hospitality, manufacturing, creative industries, and digital commerce,” she said. She added that progress remains uneven because many women lack collateral such as land and assets, while others do not have digital financial identities or formal transaction histories, factors that immediately disqualify them from obtaining loans.

“These obstacles are not a reflection of women’s potential,” she said. “They reveal structural challenges within our financial ecosystem that require coordinated interventions.

” She outlined BoT’s interventions, including promoting women’s leadership in financial institutions, enforcing sex-disaggregated data collection, strengthening consumer protection for women and expanding digital payment systems such as TIPS. She said regulatory sandboxes are enabling fintech solutions designed specifically for women and underserved groups.

Representatives from financial institutions echoed the need for stronger support systems. TADB’s Precious Oganda said credit-guarantee schemes must be strengthened to make women more bankable.

“We work with commercial banks to ensure guarantees are in place, so collateral challenges can be addressed,” she said. “This is how we enable women to access credit and strengthen their financial capacity.

” At the same session, PASS Trust’s Oscar Kimaro underlined the importance of financial literacy, saying women often struggle when they receive capital without adequate training. “That is why we provide financial education so women understand the value chain and the foundation of the businesses they want to build, even for digital agriculture enterprises,” he said.

He added that PASS also encourages women to lend to one another, expanding their financial networks. “We achieve greater results when we invest in women.

” While gaps in women’s financing highlighted issues of equity, a different panel on Venture Capital and Private Equity Syndications underscored the broader investment challenges facing the country. Venture Associate at African Renaissance Venture, Lexi Lei, said Tanzania is losing out on substantial venture capital because investors face legal uncertainty.

“There are a few VCs sitting outside Tanzania investing here, but most of our funds are deployed elsewhere,” she said. “Without specialised legal structures for venture-capital and private-equity funds, we are forced to rely on workarounds like offshore setups.

” She welcomed ongoing efforts by the Capital Markets and Securities Authority (CMSA) to establish a VC/PE framework, saying global investors prefer familiar fund structures such as limited partnerships. Africapita CEO Burak Buyuksaraa said unresolved issues, including capital-gains taxes, double taxation and exit challenges continue to discourage local and international investors.

“As long as these taxation issues persist, funds will not come in. Simple as that,” he said, calling for stronger coordination among government agencies.

Founders were also urged to strengthen their business fundamentals before pursuing investment. Beem CEO Taha Jiwaji said start-ups should secure product-market fit first.

“It’s better to achieve product-market fit before you raise external money,” he said. “VCs are concerned about your next raise, and without product-market fit, you may not fit their cycle.

” He also advised start-ups to maintain independence in partnerships. “Stand on your own feet.

Large partners may try to lock you in, which can limit growth.” On the broader investment landscape, Coprosperity Fund Managing Partner, Antony Adolf, said Tanzania must resolve its regulatory issues to attract third-party capital, noting that Rwanda’s model offers lessons.

“There are many VCs. Never give up,” he said.

“Be tactful in your approach.” .

Mbeya. The Pact-led Early Childhood Development (ECD) project, funded by the Conrad N.

Hilton Foundation, yesterday convened a regional learning event in Mbeya, marking a major milestone in the region’s three-year journey to strengthen systems that support children aged 0 to 3. The event highlighted significant progress achieved between 2023/24 and 2025/26, as the project transitions from donor-funded implementation to deeper integration within existing government and community structures.

According to project data, the initiative reached 7,017 children against a target of 4,433, an achievement of 158 percent. It also supported 6,327 caregivers, surpassing the target of 4,066 by 155 percent.

Children benefitted from holistic nurturing care services, including health, nutrition, responsive caregiving, early learning opportunities, safety, and protection. Implementation covered seven councils and 167 of the region’s 172 wards, reflecting near-complete regional coverage.

A key component of the project involved building community-based delivery systems. A total of 752 Community Case Workers (CCWs) were trained and equipped with tools and ongoing technical support.

This strengthening of frontline capacity has improved referral pathways, increased caregiver knowledge, and enhanced councils’ ability to align social welfare services with early childhood needs. Speaking at the learning event, Amina Mfaki, Principal Social Welfare Officer from the Prime Minister’s Office, Regional Administration and Local Government, described the results as “meaningful, substantive, and a testament to what coordinated leadership and structured community engagement can accomplish in a short period.

” She cited the development of the National Comprehensive ECD Service Job Aid for Community Health Workers and CCWs, as well as continuous mentorship provided to government officials and frontline workers. Mfaki emphasized that child development “cannot wait for ideal conditions or convenient timelines; it must remain continuous, responsive, and rooted in the everyday realities of families if our communities and nation are to thrive.

” This perspective was echoed by Esther Ndeytabura, the project’s Technical Director, representing Pact Tanzania Country Director Dr Levina Kikoyo. She noted that the tools, trained personnel, and strengthened coordination systems established over the past three years now form “foundational assets” for the region.

Sustaining momentum, she said, will require ongoing investment, consistent follow-up, and long-term system strengthening. At household level, the impact has been visible.

Caregiver Wito Mwangomo shared how her understanding of parenting changed through interactions with CCWs. She said she now knows how to prepare nutritious meals using available foods, when to take children for vaccinations, and how to make simple play and learning materials at home.

“The difference is clear when I look at my children today,” she said. “These changes are real, practical, and visible in everyday life.

” In her closing remarks, Regional Social Welfare Officer Aika Temu affirmed that Mbeya has built a strong platform for future ECD programming. She urged councils to continue using the Comprehensive Council Social Welfare Operational Planning and Reporting Guideline (CCSWOPG) to strengthen planning, budgeting, and prioritization, especially through council and local revenue allocations.

“When councils use their own data to analyse needs and guide priorities, the plans become realistic, actionable, and rooted in the lived realities of children and families,” Temu said. She reaffirmed her office’s commitment to advocating for stronger investment, better coordination, and sustained visibility of ECD within council systems.

The efforts in Mbeya align with Tanzania’s Development Vision 2050, the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, all of which place early childhood development at the heart of human capital development and long-term socioeconomic growth. Mbeya’s experience demonstrates that prioritizing early childhood development strengthens families, enhances service delivery systems, and lays the groundwork for a more resilient and prosperous future.

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Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s latest Employment and Earnings Survey 2023/24 paints a picture of an economy expanding in formal jobs, yet increasingly characterised by deep and persistent disparities in pay.

Formal employment continues to rise, reaching 4.07 million workers, up from 3.

72 million the previous year. But data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) shows a widening gap in earnings that could challenge the country’s drive toward inclusive growth.

The survey, released in early November 2025, shows an economy generating opportunities, but one where only a small share of workers enjoy relatively high salaries while millions remain in low-earning brackets. Average monthly cash earnings in the formal sector stand at Sh609,354, yet this means hides a stark divide.

Public-sector employees earn an average of Sh1.27 million, more than double the Sh549,373 in the private sector. The divide is clearer in wage bands: 60.6 percent of public-sector workers with permanent contracts earn above Sh700,000, compared with just 24.9 percent in the private sector.

Such figures raise questions about the effectiveness of Tanzania’s inclusion agenda, central to frameworks such as the Third Five-Year Development Plan and Dira 2050. The private sector remains the main employer, accounting for 2.85 million people, more than double the public sector’s 1.

22 million. Manufacturing leads in job creation with 17.7 percent of all formal workers, followed by education at 15.9 percent.

Yet it also houses some of the lowest-paid industries, including accommodation and food services. Economist Rehema Kalugendo said yesterday in an interview with The Citizen, the imbalance reflects Tanzania’s structural economic setup.

“High-paying industries remain highly specialised, absorbing a limited number of skilled workers. “The majority of workers remain trapped in low-wage activities where productivity gains are slow and wage progression limited,” she added, noting that the implications are far-reaching, as wide salary gaps reduce workers’ ability to save, invest in education, or withstand shocks.

The survey shows that 61 percent of regular formal-sector employees are youth aged 15 to 35. This dominance is often seen as an asset, but low earnings across youth-heavy industries challenge Tanzania’s ambition to build a dynamic and competitive workforce. Labour market specialist Prof Charles Senga noted that youth employment patterns mirror wage distribution.

“Most young workers enter sectors that are growing in numbers but not in earnings,” he said. “If the majority remain in low-paying segments, long-term economic transformation will stall.

A youthful workforce earning below living-wage levels cannot build the middle class Tanzania aspires to.” Dar es Salaam remains dominant, hosting 33.7 percent of the formal workforce and accounting for 31.9 percent of the total wage bill.

The next regions, Morogoro and Arusha, follow at 7.3 percent and 5.

6 percent respectively. This concentration reflects long-standing differences in infrastructure and investment.

Prof Senga said the regional divide is unsurprising but increasingly concerning. “When high-paying jobs cluster in one region, wealth also becomes geographically concentrated,” he said.

“This undermines balanced development and complicates inclusion and cohesion goals.” Despite employing fewer people, the public sector accounts for Sh15.9 trillion of the national wage bill, compared with Sh21 trillion spent by the much larger private sector.

This means the cost per public-sector worker is significantly higher, raising questions about fiscal sustainability as the government continues to expand sectors such as education, health, and public administration. Ms Kalugendo noted that while public-sector salaries reflect specialised skills, they demand constant balancing.

“High public-sector compensation is important for retaining talent,” she said. “But when the gap becomes too wide compared to the private sector, it risks discouraging private investment and limiting competitiveness.

” The survey identifies 364,787 newly recruited workers, with the private sector taking the largest share at 268,236. Most new hires fall in service and sales jobs (26.7 percent) and professional roles (17.5 percent). Yet many newly created roles remain in lower wage categories with limited prospects for upward mobility.

Prof Senga cautions that momentum in job creation must match improvements in job quality. “Employment growth is positive, but if wages remain stagnant, the broader population will not feel the benefits of economic expansion,” he said.

Experts point to policy directions critical for closing the wage gap and ensuring that growth becomes more inclusive. Ms Kalugendo said Tanzania must strengthen wage-setting mechanisms, especially within the private sector.

“Periodic minimum wage reviews that reflect inflation and productivity growth are essential if workers are to keep pace with living costs,” she said. .

Arusha. A resident of Olevolosi Village in Kimnyaki Ward, Arumeru District, Baraka Melami, 40, who alleges that his wife severed his genitals, has appealed to Tanzanians and well wishers to help him access medical treatment that would allow him to urinate without a catheter.

Mr Melami, who was admitted at Selian Hospital in Arumeru, is currently using a tube to pass urine, which he says causes him severe pain. He is now receiving treatment at home while recovering from the injuries.

Speaking to journalists at his home, he described the night of the incident on November 19, 2025, when he says his wife, Anna Melami, 30, attacked him while they were asleep. According to him, she touched him intimately, then used a knife to sever his genitals and threw them under the bed.

“I am still in a lot of pain using this tube. Even simple movements are difficult, and urinating is agonising.

I appeal to anyone who can help me access a prosthetic device to pass urine normally,” he said. Mr Melami said there had been no quarrel before the attack.

He explained that they had spent the day working in their shop and went to bed as usual. After the assault, he fought back, escaped outdoors, and neighbours took him to hospital.

Doctors later informed him that the severed organ could not be reattached. He also described how his wife pretended to lose consciousness and had turned up the radio to mask his cries for help.

Despite the attack, Mr Melami has forgiven his wife and appealed to President Samia Suluhu Hassan to order her release from police custody, saying he will not live with her again. Arumeru District Commissioner Mwinyi Ahmed Mwinyi confirmed the suspect has been arrested and is in police custody.

He said his office will send a team of medical experts to assess the victim, and he will personally visit him. .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzanian golfer Nsajigwa Mwansasu has made history after winning the Division One title of the East Africa NCBA Golf Series, staged at the prestigious Muthaiga Golf Club in Nairobi, Kenya.

His victory marks a groundbreaking moment for Tanzania, earning the nation its first ever title in a tournament that attracts some of the finest golfing talent from across the region. The event also featured impressive performances from two other Tanzanian golfers, Asha Rashidi and Victoria Taiko, who added further pride to the delegation.

For Nsajigwa, the finale was far more than just another competition; it represented the culmination of months of focus, discipline and refinement. Shot by shot, he showcased strategic brilliance, choosing safer landing zones when caution was needed and taking calculated risks when opportunity presented itself.

His calmness under pressure and his ability to adjust to Muthaiga’s challenging layout captured the spirit of Maisha ni Hesabu, the belief that success grows from thoughtful and deliberate decisions. When his final putt dropped and cheers rose around the green, it symbolised a destination he had been progressing toward since the earliest qualifying rounds.

Meanwhile, Asha Rashidi and Victoria Taiko did more than simply represent Tanzania. They elevated the nation’s presence through composed swings, sharp course management and the steady momentum required to navigate demanding holes.

Their performances reflected the rising depth in Tanzanian women’s golf. They walked the fairways with confidence and purpose, carrying the hopes of a nation and the promise of a sporting ecosystem that continues to grow in strength.

This year’s finale also highlighted the remarkable evolution of the NCBA Golf Series in only five years. What began as a regional competition has developed into a dynamic talent pipeline, a platform for community building and a celebration of East Africa’s commitment to excellence.

The scale of the Series, represented by 38 qualifiers, more than 100 finalists and thousands of participants, tells one part of the story. The other part lies in the journey itself: the early morning tee offs, the determined comebacks, the lessons learned and the emotions that follow each round.

Reflecting on Tanzania’s success, Solomon Kawiche, Senior Marketing Manager at NCBA, emphasised the wider meaning of the achievement. “This victory is bigger than a trophy.

It represents the growth of Tanzanian golf, the discipline of our players and the power of continued investment in talent. Nsajigwa, Asha and Victoria have shown what becomes possible when opportunity meets hard work,” he said.

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Unguja. Zanzibar President Hussein Ali Mwinyi has said the Isles remain open to investors as the government pushes to deepen international partnerships and unlock untapped opportunities across key sectors.

Dr Mwinyi made the remarks on Monday, December 1, 2025, during talks with the Chairperson of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council, Lord Swire, who led a delegation to State House in Zanzibar. He said the government has been strengthening the investment environment, with priority placed on the Blue Economy and tourism — sectors that currently contribute about 30 percent of Zanzibar’s income.

“Zanzibar still has vast opportunities that require engagement with international stakeholders and institutions,” Dr Mwinyi said, adding that the delegation’s visit offered an important platform to advance the country’s investment goals. He told the delegation that Zanzibar is ready to identify and promote investment prospects across various sectors, including trade and industry, which remain open to new entrants.

Dr Mwinyi also highlighted the potential of the Mangapwani Integrated Port, describing it as a strategic area with promising prospects in transport, oil and gas, and commercial activities. He said the government expects more investors to take interest in the project.

Lord Swire said the Commonwealth council considers Zanzibar a key partner and is ready to collaborate in areas of investment, trade and broader economic cooperation aimed at supporting growth and improving the wellbeing of citizens. The Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council promotes trade and investment links among member states of the Commonwealth.

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Dar es Salaam. As Tanzania continues to absorb the shock of the October 29 unrest, and with authorities warning of renewed attempts to mobilise young people for another disturbance on December 9, the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) has used its 55th graduation ceremony to make a deliberate call for calm, unity and responsible citizenship.

Speaking during the fourth session of the graduation ceremony at the Mlimani City Conference Centre, on December 1, 2025, Vice Chancellor Prof William Anangisye delivered a message that resonated deeply with the moment: the country’s peace is a shared national treasure that must be protected, especially by the youth. “We do not have any other country but the United Republic of Tanzania,” he said.

“We have a responsibility to safeguard and uphold the values of our nation. Wherever we are, we must remain committed to protecting our peace, unity and cohesion.

” His comments reflect the heightened sensitivity across the nation, where recent tension has highlighted how quickly misinformation and online mobilisation can draw young people into political agitation. Government efforts over the last month have focused on reinforcing national unity, engaging the youth in dialogue and appealing for restraint-and UDSM’s voice adds academic authority to this national appeal.

The Vice Chancellor’s speech highlighted the moral obligation that comes with education, particularly during periods of public anxiety. He reminded graduates that their academic achievement increases not only their personal worth but also their responsibility to society.

“Recognise that your education has increased your value,” he said. “Who you are today is not who you were three, four or five years ago.

It is now your time to demonstrate that difference.” Prof Anangisye also warned graduates against being swayed by external influences that contradict national values.

“In your daily lives, uphold Tanzania and African morals and ethics. Leave foreign ways to those who live abroad,” he said.

His message aligns with the national leadership’s stance. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has consistently emphasised national unity, urging young people to channel their creativity, energy and courage into constructive nation-building rather than divisive causes.

Quoting the President’s earlier address to young people, Prof Anangisye reminded graduates: “Young people are the nation’s workforce; they are its protectors; they are creative, bold and courageous. They carry the country’s vision and aspirations, now and in the future.

No nation can move forward without its young people.” Education and governance experts say UDSM’s message is timely and influential.

A governance scholar, Dr Edna Mwaitete, said universities play a critical stabilising role during politically tense periods. “When young people are being targeted for mobilization, sometimes through false or distorted information, academic institutions must step in as centres of reason,” she said.

“UDSM’s message is both protective and forward-looking.” Political analyst Mr Patrick Nyangi said the university’s tone speaks directly to the demographic most at risk of manipulation.

“Educated youth are influencers in their communities,” he said. “A call for calm from such a respected institution can counter the toxic messaging circulating online.

” International relations expert Ms Grace Mwalongo added: “Tanzania has long been viewed as a pillar of peace in the region. If unrest deepens, it could affect investor confidence and international partnerships.

UDSM’s intervention therefore helps reinforce Tanzania’s diplomatic image as well.” UDSM celebrates record academic achievement Despite the tense national atmosphere, this year’s graduation brought a major academic milestone: the university recorded 139 PhD graduates, the highest in its history.

Out of these, 75 were conferred during the fourth session alone, marking a significant leap in the university’s research output. In total, 11,608 graduates completed their studies across all three sessions of the 55th graduation.

They included 9,970 undergraduates, 1,228 master’s graduates, 138 doctoral candidates, and 175 diploma holders. Women constituted 52.5 percent of all graduates, underlining the university’s progress in promoting inclusivity.

Prof Anangisye also highlighted ongoing progress in curriculum reform, digital learning expansion, international partnerships and the construction of modern academic facilities under the HEET project. The Vice Chancellor urged graduates to remain proactive even in the face of delayed employment.

“If formal jobs take time, be quick to identify other areas where your knowledge and skills can be applied effectively,” he said. Experts believe this practical guidance is vital at this moment.

“Unemployment can make young people more vulnerable to political manipulation,” Mr Nyangi noted. “Encouraging self-belief, innovation and ethical responsibility is essential.

” In Prof Anangisye’s words, knowledge must be used “to uplift the nation, not to destabilise it.” .

Brussels. However Donald Trump’s latest push to end the war in Ukraine pans out, Europe fears the prospect of a deal sooner or later that will not punish or weaken Russia as its leaders had hoped, placing the continent’s security in greater jeopardy.

Europe may well even have to accept a growing economic partnership between Washington, its traditional protector in the NATO alliance, and Moscow, which most European governments – and NATO itself – say is the greatest threat to European security. Although Ukrainians and other Europeans managed to push back against parts of a 28-point U.

S. plan to end the fighting that was seen as heavily pro-Russian, any deal is still likely to carry major risks for the continent.

Yet Europe’s ability to influence a deal is limited, not least because it lacks the hard power to dictate terms. It had no representatives at talks between U.

S. and Ukrainian officials in Florida at the weekend, and will only watch from afar when U.

S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff visits Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday.

“I get the impression that, slowly, the awareness is sinking in that at some point there will be an ugly deal,” said Luuk van Middelaar, founding director of the Brussels Institute for Geopolitics think tank. “Trump clearly wants a deal.

What is very uncomfortable for the Europeansis that he wants a deal according to great-power logic: ‘We’re the U.S.

, they are Russia, we are big powers’.” Rubio seeks to reassure Europeans U.

S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said Europeans will be involved in discussions about the role of NATO and the European Union in any peace settlement.

But European diplomats take limited comfort from such reassurances. They say that just about every aspect of a deal would affect Europe – from potential territorial concessions to U.

S.-Russian economic cooperation.

The latest initiative has also triggered fresh European worries about the U.S.

commitment to NATO, which ranges from its nuclear umbrella through numerous weapons systems to tens of thousands of troops. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said last week that Europeans no longer know “which alliances we will still be able to trust in future and which ones will be durable”.

It’s made possible by a system called Sentante that uses standard operating theater equipment and gives surgeons a tactile experience akin to a real-time operation. Despite Trump’s previous criticism of NATO, he affirmed his commitment to the alliance and its Article 5 mutual defence clause in June in return for a pledge by Europeans to ramp up their defence spending.

But Rubio’s plans to skip a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Brussels this week may only fan European jitters, amid fears that an eastern member of the alliance may be Moscow’s next target. “Our intelligence services are telling us emphatically that Russia is at least keeping open the option of war against NATO.

By 2029 at the latest,” German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said last week. Europeans fear territorial concessions will embolden Putin European officials say they see no sign that Putin wants to end his invasion of Ukraine.

But if he does, they worry that any deal that does not respect Ukraine’s territorial integrity could embolden Russia to attack beyond its borders again. Yet it now seems likely any peace accord would let Moscow at least keep control of Ukrainian land that it has taken by force, whether borders are formally changed or not.

The Trump administration has also not rejected out of hand Russian claims to the rest of the Donbas region that Moscow has been unable to capture after nearly four years of war. Moreover, Trump and other U.

S. officials have made clear they see great opportunities for business deals with Moscow once the war is over.

European officials fear that ending Russia’s isolation from the Western economy will give Moscow billions of dollars to reconstitute its military. “If Russia’s army is big, if their military budget is as big as it is right now, they will want to use it again,” EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas told reporters on Monday.

Europe struggles to exert leverage But European leaders have struggled to exert a strong influence on any peace settlement, even though Europe has provided some 180 billion euros ($209.23 billion) in aid to Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in February 2022. The EU has a big potential bargaining chip in the form of Russian assets frozen in the bloc. But EU leaders have so far failed to agree on a proposal to use the assets to fund a 140-billion-euro loan to Ukraine that would keep Kyiv afloat and in the fight for the next two years.

To try to show they can bring hard power to bear, a “coalition of the willing” led by France and Britain has pledged to deploy a “reassurance force” as part of postwar security guarantees to Ukraine. Russia has rejected such a force.

But even if it did deploy, it would be modest in size, intended to bolster Kyiv’s forces rather than protect Ukraine on its own, and it could only work with U.S.

support. “The Europeans now are paying the price for not having invested in military capabilities over the last years,” said Claudia Major, senior vice president for transatlantic security at the German Marshall Fund of the United States think tank.

“The Europeans are not at the table. Because, to quote Trump, they don’t have the cards,” she said, referring to the U.

S. president’s put-down of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in February.

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