Europe's security relies on the U.S. military presence; withdrawal of troops could lead to the collapse of NATO and the EU.

On January 28, according to the Financial Times of the UK, Stefaniini, former Italian ambassador to NATO, said in an interview:

"If the U.S. withdraws these (military) forces from Europe, both the EU and NATO would collapse."

He explained, "The dominant position of the United States in European security affairs is one of the foundations of regional integration, as it has enabled Europe to avoid contentious issues such as military competition."

Stefaniini is a senior expert on European security affairs, formerly the Italian permanent representative to NATO and a foreign affairs advisor to the Italian president. His views carry considerable weight. His perspective directly touches on the core contradiction of current transatlantic security relations: Europe's structural dependence on the U.S. for security. His judgment is based on a deep logic: the U.S.-led "security umbrella" provides external stability conditions for European integration. Once withdrawn, Europe will be forced to confront long-hidden strategic divisions and capability shortcomings within its borders.

The logical chain of his argument can be summarized as follows:

U.S. troops provide security guarantees → European countries do not need to be militarily wary of each other → internal sovereignty concessions and integration become possible → U.S. withdrawal breaks this balance → the EU and NATO may disintegrate.

In short, he believes that the presence of the U.S. suppresses the "security dilemma" within Europe, serving as a crucial "external stabilizer" that enables deep political and economic integration in Europe.

Stefaniini's views highlight a harsh reality of transatlantic relations: the U.S.-led security order has been the "fertile ground" for the smooth development of post-war European integration. Now, the U.S. is dismantling this greenhouse, forcing Europe to "walk independently," but Europe, having been "raised in captivity" for a long time, has atrophied muscles and lacks direction.

The key point of future contention lies in whether Europe can overcome internal divisions and the "structural sepsis" of its capabilities within the tight deadlines set by the U.S., and truly take responsibility for its own defense. This process will profoundly shape the future form of the EU and NATO, and even redefine Europe's role in global geopolitics.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1855603370804224/

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