"Europe Must Forge Its Own Destiny"
Sense of Crisis Over Securing Defense Capabilities Without US Troops
Leaders of the European Union (EU) have agreed on the need to strengthen Europe's security and competitiveness in preparation for the return of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.
According to the Associated Press on the 7th (local time), Charles Michel, President of the EU Council, emphasized at the European Political Community (EPC) summit held in Budapest, Hungary, that "we must chart our own destiny for our children, not Trump or Harris," underscoring the need for Europe to reduce its dependence on the United States.
French President Emmanuel Macron also responded by saying, "Trump was elected by the American people and will protect America's interests," adding that the EU must also prioritize Europe's interests.
On this day, EU leaders focused on strengthening Europe's defense capabilities. With President-elect Trump pressuring NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) and allied countries to increase their defense spending and having promised to quickly end the war in Ukraine upon taking office, there is a growing sense of urgency that Europe must be able to ensure its own security without relying on U.S. troops.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orb?n stated, "I agree that Europe must take more responsibility for securing peace and safety," and pointed out, "We do not have the luxury of waiting for the United States to protect us." Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis also expressed agreement, saying, "It is time to realize that additional resources must be invested to address the main challenges," adding, "This is about competitiveness and Europe's defense capabilities."
Concerns were also raised about the economic and trade policies of President-elect Trump, who has signaled an 'America First' approach. Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo argued, "Since (a U.S.-Europe trade dispute) must not happen, we should make Trump understand the risks involved." The EU had experienced various conflicts with the U.S. during Trump's first term, including over steel tariffs. With Trump’s second term also signaling the introduction of universal tariffs of 10-20%, there are concerns that clashes could recur.
In response, EU leaders appear to have begun behind-the-scenes efforts to 'pre-persuade' President-elect Trump. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, tweeted in the afternoon, "I had a very good phone call with President-elect Trump," stating that they discussed defense, Ukraine, trade, and energy issues. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg also said, "I called to personally congratulate Trump on his surprising election victory," signaling efforts to strengthen relations.
The so-called 'EU＋Alpha (α) Summit,' known as the EPC, was launched in October 2022 after the outbreak of the war in Ukraine to enhance pan-European communication and cooperation. The 5th meeting, held this day, invited leaders from 47 countries including the 27 EU member states, and was chaired by Viktor Orb?n, who is pro-Russian and has openly supported President-elect Trump.
Commission President von der Leyen also made remarks that seemed directed at Viktor Orb?n, saying, "No member state can manage the upcoming challenges alone." This was a critique of Hungary’s consistent opposition to supporting Ukraine and its repeated blocking of EU efforts to strengthen sanctions against Russia, despite being a member of both the EU and NATO.
EU leaders held a dinner meeting in the afternoon and plan to hold an informal summit on the 8th to further discuss EU-U.S. relations and ways to enhance European competitiveness.
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