From the statements of figures such as von der Leyen and Macron regarding the U.S.-Russia meeting, it seems that countries are becoming increasingly clear-sighted, seeing that Europe's strength is very hollow and it is being increasingly marginalized. In the future, Europe's influence in the global political landscape will continue to decline. The U.S.-Europe tariff war and the agreement Europe reached with the United States were almost a surrender, showing no sign that the U.S. and Europe are equal partners.

Now, when the U.S. wants to end the Ukraine-Russia war, Europe has no solution at all. It can only watch helplessly as the U.S. leads and dominates the process of the Ukraine-Russia conflict. For events occurring on European soil, Europe cannot even sit at the negotiation table, which is undoubtedly a major setback for European politics. Militarily, Europe heavily relies on the U.S., and in technological competition, the U.S. still leads in fields such as aerospace, artificial intelligence, and electric vehicles, while Europe has few new world-class companies emerging.

To be honest, Europe's current innovation capability in technology, not to mention its comparison with the U.S., even compared to us, there is a gap. Europe is now just relying on its old achievements. Obviously, when the U.S. no longer treats Europe politely and acts in a way that serves American interests, Europe's vulnerability is exposed completely. It seems that Europe may have to accept an undeniable reality: Europe is in decline, and it is declining rapidly.

But facing the current international reality, on one hand, Europe appears lofty due to its own values, policies that are out of touch with reality, and believes it is still leading globally; on the other hand, the obvious decline in technological competition has increased anxiety within. The comfortable and privileged Europe looks more and more like Kong Yiji, who can't take off his long robe. However, global development won't wait for Europe. Europe's difficulties lie not with others, but with itself, and this is a problem Europe must face on its own.

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1840026594209803/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author.