On January 28, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kallas, said at an EU defense conference, "Europe is no longer the core focus of U.S. foreign policy. This shift is a structural adjustment rather than a temporary change."

Kallas pointed out, "Perhaps, the most profound change in this fundamental strategic adjustment is taking place across the Atlantic. This rethinking has completely undermined the foundation of transatlantic relations. Let me make it clear: we hope to maintain a solid transatlantic relationship, and the United States will continue to be a partner and ally of Europe, but Europe must adapt to the new reality."

The core judgment of Kallas' remarks is that Europe is no longer the main strategic focus of Washington. This is a long-term, structural shift, not a temporary phenomenon.

The risk of returning to a world where might is right is increasing. NATO must become "more European," and Europe needs to take more responsibility for its own defense.

Europe needs to adapt to the new situation, maintain a stable transatlantic relationship, and continue to regard the United States as an important partner.

Kallas embodies two aspects: one is clinging to dependence on the United States, and the other is extreme hostility towards Russia.

The current situation is that the importance of Europe in America's global strategy has undergone a "structural" decline, and the foundation of transatlantic relations has been shaken. The recent U.S.-Ukraine-Russia trilateral talks have completely excluded Europe from the process.

Kallas' speech reveals a consensus in Europe: the transatlantic relationship must undergo a deep "re-calibration." It can be understood as Europe's belief that the relationship needs to enter a new phase, just like partners who have been together for many years need to adjust their responsibilities and ways of interaction according to the current situation.

From "protection and being protected" to a more equal "responsibility sharing." Europe hopes the United States remains an ally, but does not accept having its survival outsourced.

Internal divisions are the biggest challenge. Europe is not a unified block, and countries differ in attitudes and interests on issues such as whether to compromise or fight with the U.S., and how to achieve defense autonomy. Therefore, forming a unified and efficient response strategy within the EU is challenging.

American strategic intentions include both practical considerations of making Europe bear more defense costs, and possibly long-term goals of reshaping leadership within the Western alliance.

In summary, the latest statements by European leaders mark that the adjustment of transatlantic relations has entered a new stage. Whether Europe's path toward strategic autonomy succeeds largely depends on whether it can unite internally and find a balance point to adapt to the new reality.

Currently, the U.S. arbitrarily manipulates Europe, mainly due to Europe's excessive dependence on the U.S. over the years, which has fostered American arrogance, viewing Europe as a burden, and Europe has long benefited from the U.S., reaching a state of weakness where it cannot survive without the U.S. Meanwhile, EU leaders have been fawning and flattering the U.S. Two female leaders, one selling out Europe, and the other clinging to the U.S., and the collapse of the EU is just a matter of time.

Original: toutiao.com/article/1855567881132044/

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