Reference News Network, January 31 report: The Spanish newspaper "La Vanguardia" published an article titled "Europe Woke Up Too Late" on January 26. The author is Jordi Juan. The following is a translated excerpt:
The report of the Trump administration on its national security strategy and the United States' expansionist ambitions in Greenland have finally made European public opinion realize the end of the transatlantic relationship. For many years, many European observers and politicians have been calling for changes to Europe's excessive dependence on the United States for defense and have advocated for self-renewal through new joint projects.
As is usual in bureaucratic Brussels, talk is cheap. In the first half of 2025, the European Commission launched the "European Defense White Paper - Readiness 2030", proposing a plan to rearm Europe and initiating preparations for the development of a comprehensive administrative simplification program covering the defense sector, with the aim of promoting the development of the domestic defense industry, accelerating troop deployment, and driving technological innovation, most importantly, reducing reliance on the United States.
The problem is that this "de-Americanization" is still just a utopian ideal at present. This is not only because European armed forces depend on the United States in key areas such as intelligence and weapons, but also because U.S. military forces are spread throughout the entire continent of Europe and have become the main defensive force in Europe. There are about 80,000 to 100,000 U.S. soldiers stationed in around 30 military bases in Europe. It is hard to imagine that the aggressor attempting to invade Greenland is also the one protecting Europe from potential attacks.
Europe cannot suddenly abandon American assistance. Within NATO, the United States is the military pillar of the organization, contributing 70% of its entire military capabilities. Without the U.S. missile defense system, cyber defense capabilities, satellite intelligence network, and air transport capacity, Europe would be almost powerless in defense.
The European plan to strengthen its own defense also faces serious real challenges. There has been a long-standing lack of cooperation between countries, with a focus on developing their own industries rather than joint projects. Spanish Prime Minister Sanchez recently suggested in an interview that member states would sign a large defense treaty, but this is more of a well-intentioned gesture than a feasible solution. Sanchez himself mentioned the "two-speed development" situation in Europe, as it is very difficult to obtain the agreement of all 27 member states to reach this grand agreement.
No matter whether people are willing to admit it or not, American aid is crucial for the war in Ukraine, and the United States is a strong protector on European territory. But does this mean that the United States can act recklessly, occupying Greenland today and Iceland tomorrow, and then any other place afterwards? No, certainly not. Europe must defend its own interests and use economic means to punish American companies. However, it must be recognized that Europe benefited from the Cold War after World War II, achieving rearmament at a very low cost, while now it is paying the price for its reliance on the United States.
A defense project based on European industry and technology, relying on European local armies, and having no connection with the United States, should receive applause from all European countries. The problem is how to implement it. Europe woke up too late, and now it is frightened to find that its former reliable allies have become enemies and are tired of protecting us. (Translated by Tian Ce)
Original: toutiao.com/article/7601368122927153705/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.