The EU beat COVID and ditched Russian energy. Now it must learn to live without US security help
BRUSSELS — Over the last five years, European Union countries have been forced to adapt to unprecedented circumstances. In recent weeks, senior Trump administration officials have made clear that U.S. priorities lie elsewhere – in Asia and along America’s southern border – and that Europe should take care of itself, including Ukraine. Without U.S. forces, the Bruegel think tank in Brussels estimates, Europe could need 300,000 troops and an annual spending hike of at least 250 billion euros to deter Russia. “The appetite to debate seriously the question of the defense capabilities of Europe is back,” EU Budget Commissioner Piotr Serafin said last week. The EU “cannot become a truly regional and global actor without a relevant military dimension,” former EU Council President Herman Van Rompuy said in 2016, before Donald Trump became U.S. President for the first time.
Discover Related
Europe seeks to reduce military dependence on US with new defence mechanism
Germany's Merz set to be elected chancellor on May 6
Euro zone yields steady after sharp rise following Trumps tariff pause
'Germany is back on track': Merz secures coalition deal to tackle challenges from Trump’s policies
EU hits back at Trump tariffs, targets £20 billion US products: ’Countermeasures can be suspended if...’
EU ministers cautious over hike in tariffs
Europe and Canada say they’ll spend more on defense, but are cool on US demands
Rubio says U.S. committed to NATO - but demands allies spend more
Shot by both sides, the Eurozone faces recession threat
'World's changing at unpredictable pace': Greece unveils $27 bn defence boost plan
Greece launches ‘drastic’ rearmament programme to the tune of $27bn
Germany offers the global economy a glimmer of hope
European Union urges citizens to stockpile supplies to last 3 days in case of crisis
European peacekeepers must be prepared to fight, says Ukraine
Macron says proposed European force for Ukraine could ’respond’ if attacked by Russia
France’s Macron says not all European countries agree on force for Ukraine
French FM bats for ‘Franco-Chinese partnership’ during Beijing visit
Sweden to boost defence spending $30 bn over a decade
NATO leader warns Russia of ‘fierce, devastating’ payback if it attacks Poland
Europe urged to unite amid US tariffs, rising debt, and big tech challenges
Denmark pledges $140 million to support defence sector investments in Ukraine
Trump Prompts European Calls for a Homegrown Nuclear Umbrella
Trump prompts European calls for a homegrown nuclear umbrella
Dutch counting on EU more than ever for protection against global crises
Poll reveals split over UK govt's spending priorities