Switzerland (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – As Donald Trump embarks on his second term as U.S. president, Europe finds itself trapped in a familiar cycle of reaction and indecision. Once again, European leaders are scrambling to respond to Trump’s unilateral moves, most recently his exclusion of both Europe and Ukraine from peace talks with Russia. This exclusion is not merely a diplomatic slight but a stark reminder of Europe’s diminished role in global geopolitics—a reality that has been years in the making.
The irony is glaring. While European leaders express outrage at being sidelined by the U.S., they are replicating the same behaviour internally. French President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to convene a summit on Ukraine with only a select group of European leaders underscores the divisions within the EU. This fragmented approach not only weakens Europe’s collective voice but also raises urgent questions about its ability to navigate an increasingly transactional world order.
Europe’s strategic autonomy: a déjà vu all over again
Trump’s decision to exclude European nations from U.S.-Russia peace talks is emblematic of his broader approach to alliances: transactional, unilateral, and dismissive of traditional multilateral frameworks. His administration has made it clear that Europe must take the lead in its own
security, signaling a shift in U.S. priorities toward countering China and securing its borders. General Keith Kellogg, the U.S. envoy for Ukraine, bluntly confirmed that Europe would not have a seat at the table, further cementing the perception that Washington views its European allies as incapable of decisive action.
This exclusion has left European leaders scrambling to formulate a response. Macron’s emergency summit in Paris brought together leaders from Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and others—but notably excluded many smaller EU nations. Smaller EU nations have been left out of discussions that will inevitably affect them, highlighting a troubling double standard: while Europe decries its exclusion from U.S.-led talks, it engages in similar gatekeeping within its ranks.
Belgian MEP Assita Kanko was particularly vocal, accusing Macron of “discriminating against EU member states” and questioning his authority to represent Europe on such matters. Romanian officials also expressed dismay at being left out, calling it a “bad signal” for smaller countries seeking greater inclusion in EU decision-making processes. This selective approach risks alienating key partners and further fragmenting an already divided continent.
Europe’s inability to act decisively underscores its overreliance on the United States for security and leadership. Calls for “strategic autonomy” have grown louder since Trump’s first term, yet little progress has been made. Defense spending remains uneven across EU member states, and efforts to develop a unified foreign policy are often stymied by national interests.
Strategic autonomy does not mean abandoning transatlantic ties; rather, it involves building the capacity to act independently when necessary. This includes:
- Strengthening Defense Capabilities: EU nations must increase defense spending and improve coordination to reduce reliance on NATO.
- Energy Independence: Diversifying energy sources is critical to diminishing dependence on external actors.
- Unified Foreign Policy: Europe must reconcile its internal divisions and articulate a clear vision for its role in global affairs.
From wake-up to snooze?
The current moment demands bold leadership capable of navigating these challenges. Yet Europe’s leaders seem trapped in a cycle of reactive policymaking. Trump acts; Europe declares it a “wake-up call”; leaders proclaim it the “hour of Europe”; and then little changes. This
recurring pattern reflects a deeper crisis of confidence within the EU.
Europe’s inability to act decisively is not just a structural issue but also a failure of leadership. Macron’s summit may have been an attempt to fill this vacuum, but its exclusive nature highlights the lack of cohesion among EU member states. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has called for “strong and credible security guarantees” for Ukraine but remains cautious about deploying troops or taking other bold measures without U.S. backing.
This hesitancy reflects broader doubts about Europe’s capacity to lead on global issues. Polls reveal widespread scepticism among Europeans about their own influence on the world stage, even as global perceptions of the EU remain relatively strong. This disconnection between Europe’s potential and its self-perception hampers efforts to assert its role as an independent geopolitical actor.
To break free from this cycle, Europe must prioritize unity and action over rhetoric. Macron’s selective summit may have been well-intentioned, but it highlights the need for more inclusive decision-making processes within the EU. Excluding smaller nations only exacerbates divisions and weakens Europe’s collective voice on the global stage.
Europe must also seize this moment as an opportunity to redefine its relationship with the United States. Rather than lamenting Trump’s policies, European leaders should focus on asserting their vision for transatlantic cooperation—one based on mutual respect and shared interests rather than dependency.
The question is whether European leaders will rise to this challenge or whether they will once again remain trapped in cycles of indecision that leave them perpetually reacting to events rather than shaping them.
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