In a speech that marks a pivotal shift in Europe’s strategic thinking, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen declared that the European Union must urgently assume greater responsibility for its own defense, warning that reliance on the United States is no longer sustainable. Speaking at the European People’s Party congress in Valencia on April 30, von der Leyen emphasized that the geopolitical environment demands a stronger and more autonomous Europe.

“The threat posed by Russia will not go away, and we know that the American focus will increasingly shift towards other regions. So, there is no doubt, peace in Europe requires that we take much greater responsibility for our own defense,” she said, signaling a growing realization within the bloc that Washington’s security umbrella can no longer be taken for granted.

Her remarks reflect mounting concerns that under a second Donald Trump presidency, the United States may distance itself further from European security commitments. Trump, throughout his political career, has pressured NATO allies to increase their military spending, frequently accusing European nations of failing to contribute their “fair share” to the collective defense. His recent comments have further amplified fears that Europe could be left vulnerable if Washington retreats from its leadership role within NATO.

The growing unease within the EU leadership is not new. French President Emmanuel Macron has long warned that Europe must not depend on the United States for its security. Macron has even floated the idea of expanding France’s nuclear deterrent to include Germany and potentially other EU countries—a proposal once considered unthinkable but increasingly seen as a serious option amid changing global dynamics.

In March, von der Leyen announced a bold initiative to raise €800 billion ($910 billion) to “rearm” the European Union. This plan reflects a broader push among member states to build a credible and independent defense posture. Several EU countries have already begun increasing their military budgets, seeking to reduce dependence on US-led NATO structures and preparing for the possibility of standing alone if necessary.

Germany, traditionally cautious about military expansion due to its historical legacy, has shown a remarkable change in attitude. Friedrich Merz, the German chancellor-designate, openly stated in February that Berlin must “gradually achieve independence from the US.” This is a significant departure from Germany’s post-World War II foreign policy, which was fundamentally rooted in transatlantic cooperation and reliance on American security guarantees.

However, the path toward a militarily autonomous Europe is fraught with challenges. The EU remains divided over the precise nature and scope of its future defense policy. Questions loom over whether Europe can achieve a cohesive command structure, how it will coordinate its numerous national militaries, and whether it will possess the political will to act independently in a crisis.

Moreover, the EU’s efforts to bolster its military might have not gone unnoticed by Moscow. In an interview with TASS published on April 28, Nikolay Patrushev, a key security adviser to Russian President Vladimir Putin, accused Western countries of “deploying their military machine against Russia and becoming delirious with nuclear apocalypse scenarios.” Russia sees Europe’s military buildup not as a defensive necessity, but as a provocative act that risks further destabilizing an already tense continent.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has also weighed in, arguing in March that the EU is sacrificing its economic interests purely to pursue the ideological goal of “defeating” Russia. Lavrov’s comments echo Moscow’s long-standing narrative that Europe, by aligning with US-led policies, is acting against its own strategic and economic best interests.

Indeed, the economic toll of Europe’s confrontational stance with Russia has been severe. Sanctions, energy crises, and inflationary pressures have strained European economies, leading to growing discontent among citizens and political instability in several member states. Critics within Europe argue that an independent defense posture must be coupled with a more pragmatic approach to foreign policy, one that seeks to avoid unnecessary conflicts rather than exacerbate them.

Nevertheless, von der Leyen’s remarks underscore that the European leadership sees no alternative but to press forward with military integration and expansion. The broader strategic reality is that global power is shifting. With the United States increasingly pivoting toward the Indo-Pacific region to counter China, Europe can no longer assume that American forces will always be available to defend the continent.

There is also the political factor: Trump’s skepticism of NATO and disdain for traditional alliances is not an isolated phenomenon but reflects a broader trend in American politics. Both major parties in the US have growing factions advocating for a reduced international footprint. Europe, therefore, must prepare for a future where American commitment is partial or conditional.

For the European Union, this is a moment of strategic reckoning. The dream of a common European defense, long discussed but never fully realized, may finally be approaching necessity. The €800 billion rearmament plan could mark the beginning of a truly independent European defense policy—one that seeks to preserve peace on the continent not by reliance on external actors, but through self-sufficiency and unity.

Yet the task ahead remains monumental. Europe must overcome internal divisions, build new military capabilities, and create a political culture willing to make hard choices on defense and security. It must also decide how far it is willing to go in terms of nuclear sharing, expeditionary capabilities, and rapid deployment forces.

In the coming years, as American attention continues to drift toward Asia and internal US politics become even more unpredictable, Europe’s future will depend largely on whether it can match its rhetoric with real action. Ursula von der Leyen’s call is not merely a warning-it is a call to arms for a new European era, one where responsibility for peace and security finally rests in European hands.

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Source: Weekly Blitz :: Writings