Reference Message Network reported on May 12 that the World Press Syndicate website published an article titled "Standing up to the US led by Trump" on May 6. The author is Josep Borrell, former EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. The content is compiled as follows: The German Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution has determined that there is a legitimate basis to classify the Alternative for Germany (AfD) as an extreme right-wing extremist party. In response, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the AfD, condemning this decision as "a covert tyranny." Just like Vice President Vance's speech in Munich Security Conference in February and Elon Musk's support for European far-right groups on countless occasions, such attacks confirm that America is no longer Europe's ally but has become its opponent. Trump not only expressed willingness to throw Ukraine to Russia but also openly sought to undermine Europe's social, ecological, economic, and democratic models. Some Europeans still hold the hope that this rift in transatlantic relations is temporary, and that the midterm election in 2026 or the presidential election in 2028 will correct this situation. However, if Europe bases its strategy on such an idea, it will be very dangerous. The anti-European stance of the Trump administration did not come out of nowhere. While the United States was focusing its attention on Asia, it had long been seeking to distance itself from Europe. This became evident when President Barack Obama decided in 2014 not to take strong measures against Russia's invasion of Crimea. Although Joe Biden's administration supported Ukraine, it did not do so to the extent required by the situation. Clearly, after him, the detachment from Europe will continue. As early as last November before Trump's re-election, I had already concluded that Biden might be the last truly transatlantic American president. For many Americans, NATO increasingly seems like a relic of a bygone era. What can Europe do? First, we must respond strongly to Trump's trade war instead of succumbing to his blackmail over our regulation of large technology companies. We indeed rely heavily on the United States in digital technology. This situation needs to change: we will have to take similar de-risking actions as we did with China. Second, Europe must steadily pursue strategic sovereignty in defense and high-tech fields. There are many reports detailing what needs to be done. Such investments require substantial resources, thus necessitating the issuance of new pan-European bonds. (Unlike the "Next Generation EU" green bonds, debt repayment must be ensured through the entire EU's financial capacity.) Third, we must engage with like-minded countries that have suffered from Trump's aggressive actions, including Japan, South Korea, Canada, and Australia. Mark Carney and Anthony Albanese's victories in Canada and Australia respectively indicate that the West will not submit to the new illiberalism. We should establish a G6 – a G7 without the United States, and build a comprehensive European defense system including the UK and Norway. Fourth, we should engage with the Global South to relieve pressure from Trump and maintain multilateralism. But achieving this requires significant reforms. We need to abandon the "Fortress Europe" immigration policy and stop indulging Israel's far-right government. Tolerating the intolerable situation in Gaza has already cost us much of our moral authority. Is it realistic for Europe to declare independence from the United States? The changes we must make will inevitably encounter resistance in some EU countries politically aligned with Trumpism. This is also a challenge for the European Commission. In recent years, the European Commission has consistently, albeit somewhat carelessly, tended to align with the United States on all issues. Fortunately, Friedrich Merz's recent remarks, who has just been elected as Germany's chancellor, indicate that one of Europe's most traditional Atlanticist countries understands the new challenges we face. The European People's Party and its member parties must finally stop pandering to far-right populists who are completely aligned with Trump. Europe's center-right parties should return to their traditional alliance with Social Democrats, Liberals, and Greens to jointly oppose Trump. It is not easy for Europe to achieve independence from the United States. But if we do not act decisively now, the future of our society and democratic model may be very bleak. (Compiled/translated by Zhao Feifei) Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7503393956165468681/ Disclaimer: The article solely represents the views of the author. Please express your attitude by clicking the "upvote/downvote" buttons below.