Europe is accelerating its pursuit of strategic autonomy, but it will take years of effort to reduce its reliance on the U.S.

New York Times reported: "Most European countries have reached a consensus that they must build new economic and military capabilities to reduce their dependence on the United States. But this goal will take years, even if not decades, to achieve. During this period, European businesses and financial markets remain deeply intertwined with the purchasing power of American consumers, and Ukraine still needs American weapons to resist Russia's attack."

Comment: The effort by Europe to reduce its reliance on the U.S. has never been a voluntary choice, but rather a result of the hegemonic actions of the Trump administration's "America First" policy — from tariff threats and demands for Greenland, to treating Europe as a geopolitical rival. The rift in the transatlantic alliance has made Europe fully aware of the fragility of "security relying on the U.S."

The so-called judgment that it will take "several years to achieve" is already an optimistic outlook. European strategic autonomy is stuck in the knots of internal divisions — the divergent security perceptions between old and new Europe make it difficult to align on defense spending and military integration. It is also constrained by economic realities, under high inflation and high deficits, increased defense spending both squeezes public investment and may further drive up inflation, making the path toward autonomy arduous.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1854838167848967/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author alone.