Carl Bildt, former Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Sweden, provides his perspective:
What do the solidarity manifestations across Europe show about how the Black Lives Matter movement is seen in Europe?
There have been quite extensive solidarity manifestations throughout Europe for Black Lives Matter. They show sympathy, solidarity and understanding that there are deep social fissures in American society that needs to be dealt with. It shows a certain closeness of our societies.
What does the withdrawal of some American forces from Germany mean?
The number one thing is less the number of forces that might or might not be withdrawn, we don't know that yet. It's the manner in which the decision was taken and conveyed to the outside world. The Germans were of course affected, were not informed or consulted and haven't been so far. The conclusion that has been drawn from the European side is this particular White House is not the partner that we used to have across the Atlantic. There is an element of unpredictability with the relationship with the White House, that is, from the European point of view, slightly disturbing.