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Europe’s existential choice

Given the Trump administration’s attitude towards the transatlantic relationship, Europe can either enter the global game united, as a heavyweight competitor, or condemn itself to marginalisation.

    • After three years of Putin waging war on Ukraine, the EU and its member states have proven willing to spend even more and to embrace a more cooperative, rational, and effective approach to defence planning and procurement.
    • After three years of Putin waging war on Ukraine, the EU and its member states have proven willing to spend even more and to embrace a more cooperative, rational, and effective approach to defence planning and procurement. PHOTO: BLOOMBERG
    Published Thu, May 22, 2025 · 06:00 AM

    [POZNAN] For years, I have taken every opportunity to urge the European Union and its member states to invest more in defence. When Russian President Vladimir Putin launched his full-scale invasion of Ukraine, I repeatedly asked (as a member of the European Parliament) what further proof we would need to recognise the threats facing all of Europe.

    What would we – as Europeans – do if our security was threatened while our closest ally, the United States, was otherwise engaged?

    Today, we confront that very situation. US officials are openly stating that they do not intend to devote most of their time or resources to dealing with what they deem European issues. According to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the US has “other priorities to focus on”.

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