Europe clings to US security guarantees while neglecting its own defense sovereignty
Executive summary: Nico Lange argues that Europe, despite having the prerequisites for sovereignty, still depends on the United States for security and clings to a fragmented, small‑state defense posture. The analysis underscores the risk of inadequate European defense autonomy amid evolving US priorities and mounting geopolitical pressures.
Who is involved: Nico Lange (author), European policymakers, United States.
Likely next: Debate over EU defense integration will continue, with potential pressure for increased defense spending and joint initiatives to bolster autonomy.
Nico Lange’s opinion piece argues that Europe possesses the foundations for strategic autonomy but continues to rely on the United States for security and maintains a fragmented, small‑state approach to defense. The critique highlights a persistent transatlantic imbalance and warns that this posture leaves the continent vulnerable as US priorities shift and geopolitical tensions rise. The piece calls for a frank reassessment of European defense planning and greater burden‑sharing within NATO.
Timeline
- — Nico Lange: Europäische Realitätsverweigerung in der Sicherheitspolitik (Handelsblatt)
- — Konzernprognosen: „Den Boden haben wir noch nicht gesehen“ – Unternehmen veröffentlichen mehr Gewinnwarnungen (Handelsblatt)
- — US launches strikes on Iran in retaliation for failed attack on American troops (Politico Europe)
- — Watch out Brussels and Kyiv, Poland’s conservatives are veering right (Politico Europe)
Sources
- Nico Lange: Europäische Realitätsverweigerung in der Sicherheitspolitik — Handelsblatt
- US launches strikes on Iran in retaliation for failed attack on American troops — Politico Europe
- Watch out Brussels and Kyiv, Poland’s conservatives are veering right — Politico Europe
- Konzernprognosen: „Den Boden haben wir noch nicht gesehen“ – Unternehmen veröffentlichen mehr Gewinnwarnungen — Handelsblatt