With Trump returning, NATO uncertain, and American protection gone, the EU has run out of time to achieve strategic autonomy. The age of illusions is over.
The Context: The American Shield Withdraws
Throughout his campaign, Trump reiterated the same themes from his first term—only this time with greater resolve. He cast doubt over America’s willingness to defend NATO allies, hinted at withdrawing support for Ukraine entirely, and showed open disdain for what he calls Europe’s “free riding.” His close ally, Vance, echoed similar sentiments, calling for an “America First foreign policy” and mocking European efforts to influence U.S. strategic choices.
This is not merely rhetoric. Trade tensions are re-escalating. Tariffs are back on the table. Aid to Ukraine has been halted or delayed. And America’s focus is drifting ever further toward internal divides and its rivalry with China. Europe, once the privileged partner, now stands as just another region in the global pecking order—and increasingly, one without protection.
De Gaulle’s Strong Warning: A Europe That Must Be Itself
Amid this geopolitical disruption, the words of General Charles de Gaulle echo louder than ever. Over sixty years ago, he warned:
“Europe must not be a vassal of either the United States or the Soviet Union. Europe must be itself.”
De Gaulle’s vision was not isolationist, but sovereign. He envisioned a Europe of nations, united in purpose, capable of asserting itself as an independent pole in global affairs. He opposed excessive reliance on external powers and insisted on a Europe that could defend its values, its culture, and its security on its own terms.
Many in his time dismissed these warnings. In the post-war context of American protection and Soviet threat, his statements were viewed as idealistic, even contrarian. But now, they appear prescient.
From the need for an autonomous European defence policy, to the significance of Franco-German cooperation as a stabilising force, de Gaulle’s doctrine laid the foundation for a vision Europe has talked about for decades but failed to realise. Strategic autonomy became a buzzword, but rarely more than a word. And now, that negligence has come home to roost.
Europe Makes Peace with Reality
For too long, Europe’s approach to security and global influence rested on comfortable assumptions. The U.S. would always defend NATO’s eastern flank. Washington would fund military deterrence. Transatlantic trade would remain preferential. That era is now over.
Europe’s leaders, citizens, and strategic community, as think tanks and research institutes, are finally facing a sobering truth: Europe is alone. Alone with its own industrial base, its fragmented military capabilities, its dependency on energy imports, and its modest digital infrastructure. Alone in a world where great powers act on self-interest, not shared values.
But perhaps, paradoxically, this moment of abandonment is also the moment of maturity. Europe has no choice but to take responsibility for its own future. It can no longer outsource its defence, nor defer its strategic decisions to Washington.
De Gaulle’s call for a “Europe that is a civilisation” takes on new meaning in 2025. It’s not just about geography or treaties—it’s about agency, sovereignty, and the will to act.
The Way Ahead for Europe
Europe must now turn this strategic solitude into a strategic opportunity. That means going far beyond summits and declarations:
- A credible common defence strategy, with real investment in capabilities, interoperability, and shared command structures. This should not oppose NATO but complement it, while preparing for scenarios where NATO falters.
- An independent foreign policy, capable of mediating and acting in multipolar conflicts, including in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and the Sahel—regions where the U.S. is retreating.
- Industrial and technological sovereignty, particularly in energy, defence, and digital sectors, to reduce exposure to foreign dependencies.
- A cultural and civic renewal, reminding European citizens that sovereignty is not a nationalist throwback, but a condition for democracy, dignity, and peace.
The end of illusions is painful, but necessary. Europe can no longer afford the luxury of strategic naivety and its security and competitiveness challenges. The United States has turned inward and focused on China’s ascendancy. The international order is fragmenting.
Europe must now answer de Gaulle’s challenge—not with nostalgia, but with action.
“Europe must be a power capable of speaking with one voice and acting as a single entity.”
— Charles de Gaulle
The time for nice discourses and lecturing others is over. The time to act is now.
Ricardo Martins ‒PhD in Sociology, specializing in policies, European and world politics and geopolitics
