Helga Schmidt argues that Europe must take responsibility for its own defense as the U.S. no longer guarantees support, particularly in light of recent policy shifts under the Trump administration. The article discusses the implications of this change, highlighting rising nationalist sentiments and the need for European unity in military commitments. It calls for significant contributions from major EU nations, particularly France, Spain, and Italy, to strengthen collective defense efforts and develop joint military capabilities in response to an increasingly uncertain global landscape.
The USA is no longer a dependable ally; it is time for Europe to take charge of its own defense, asserts Helga Schmidt. This shift can only be realized if Europeans commit to a new direction and abandon individual nationalistic pursuits.
The recent European crisis summit held on Monday yielded minimal results, which was to be expected. Major historical shifts rarely occur during a single meeting. As the agenda turns to a second summit today, the stakes are high.
For many years, Europeans enjoyed a sense of security during the Cold War and beyond. The effectiveness of deterrence was rooted in the understanding that the United States would come to Europe’s aid in the event of a Russian attack. However, that assurance has now changed.
Shifting Values: A New Era of Uncertainty
Last week, members of the Trump administration signaled a significant shift in policy. The U.S. is no longer prepared to offer military support to Ukraine at previous levels, placing the onus on European nations to step up.
Even more concerning, J.D. Vance, former Vice President under Trump, raised the question at the Munich Security Conference of whether it is worthwhile to protect Europe if its values diverge from the new Trumpian ideology.
Aligning with Autocrats: A Disturbing Trend
The rise of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is a testament to the shifting tides. Alice Weidel’s aspirations are gaining traction as the Trump administration not only undermines the rule of law domestically but also reshapes its foreign policy to align with authoritarian regimes.
International law seems to be taking a backseat as new alliances form with despotic leaders. Recent negotiations in Riyadh illustrate a preference for discussions with the Kremlin over engaging with Europe’s elected officials, despite the pressing issues surrounding Ukraine and European security.
Finding a Path Forward Amidst Stalemate
The crisis summit in Paris highlighted the impasse facing European nations. Yet, this moment could also serve as a catalyst for breaking through the deadlock.
Complaining about Trump’s unilateral actions is futile and will not enhance his ego; instead, Europeans should focus on economic realities. Europe’s share of the global economy matches that of the United States, and its military expenditure surpasses that of Russia. Therefore, why shouldn’t Europe take charge of its own defense?
Time for EU Governments to Embrace Change
For this to succeed, EU governments must act decisively. France needs to significantly ramp up its support for Ukraine, moving beyond symbolic gestures, and Spain and Italy must follow suit. These three major countries lag behind the Netherlands in military commitment, with Germany trailing even further. This discrepancy underscores the flaws in Europe’s security strategy, stemming from the disjointed priorities of national leaders.
Additionally, Germany must assist heavily indebted Southern European nations—namely France, Spain, and Italy—by financing essential rearmament through collective debt. Individual investments will be unmanageable otherwise.
To strengthen their defense capabilities, Europe must also abandon nationalistic approaches and focus on joint development of new weapon systems. What was once a mere aspiration has become a necessity, especially given the fading reliability of American allies. The time for change is now.
This topic was covered by tagesschau24 on February 15, 2025, at 10:00 AM.