Tensions in global geopolitics are at an all-time high. Now Europe’s leaders need to have the courage to stand up against a recoiling US foreign policy. European countries especially have condemned the US’s recent actions. These actions, especially during the Trump administration, have prompted serious alarm bells to ring across the continent. Analysts urge that Europe must be honest about its own weaknesses. Finally, they point to greater imperative and need for clear unambiguous strong commitment to remain stabilizing force in international order.
Critics have highlighted the lack of European boldness and tamed EU response to US efforts. This is especially the case when it comes to issues that relate directly to its security and political integration. The leaders of Europe face pressure to articulate a unified stance against actions that threaten the integrity of international relations. Further, they need to reach the realization that game-stalling and meekly giving into US pressure only make them more exposed.
The call for Europe to mature in its foreign policy approach is one that is rapidly growing more urgent. Analysts argue that Europe must oppose any actions that undermine the established international order, which has been a foundation for peace and cooperation since World War II. We’re repurposing our current skillset to focus on building a more resilient and secure future. Last but not least, Europe should avoid complacency and expect the volatility to go away by itself.
Solidarity between European countries is necessary, but it must not be used as an alibi for inaction. Europe has enormous military, economic and industrial potential, but it is all too often scattered and unexploited due to political paralysis. Experts have notable concerns that such fragmentation risks undercutting Europe’s collective ability to respond in a cohesive manner to external threats.
To improve its strategic clout, Europe needs to expand its own cooperative ring. And we are constantly building coalitions that go outside of the usual partnerships. We do business with countries that share our commitment to international security and economic stability. The urgency for all of us to act together has never been greater, particularly given the alarming developments going on in the Arctic these days.
The Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard has recently become an unlikely bellwether where Europe’s mettle will be put to a further test. Russia’s increasing assertiveness in the Arctic may invoke great-power prerogatives and challenge Europe’s sovereignty. Such a situation would highlight the need for Europe to respond, strongly and in unity, to defend its interests.
Inaction on Europe’s part not only weakens its position in defending Ukraine’s sovereignty but undermines its credibility on the global stage. US foreign policy actions, such as a desire to absorb Greenland, carry enormous consequences. Or they could be fulfilling a larger agenda to weaken the European Union, as some skeptics allege. European leaders need to stop being in denial about these threats and grow a spine in doing so.
It is essential for Europe to remove the governments that stand in the way of taking action as a collective at the European level. This exclusion would free the US to pursue shared defense, more effective and complex security cooperation, and more industrial investment. By promoting a more coherent agenda, Europe can increase its leverage and impact globally.