ECFR: Europeans increasingly believe they must rely more on themselves for security, energy, and support for Ukraine because the U.S. is less reliable under President Donald Trump.
The report argues that Europeans are adapting to a world in which they can no longer fully rely on the United States for security. Trust in America has fallen sharply, leading many Europeans to support stronger defense capabilities and greater strategic autonomy, while still hoping the transatlantic relationship improves in the future.
At the same time, Europeans continue to support Ukraine but are cautious about deeper commitments such as sending troops or rapidly admitting Ukraine to the EU. On energy, they largely reject a return to Russian fossil fuels and prefer investing in European and renewable sources despite higher costs.
The overall message is that Europeans have become more self-reliant and realistic: they recognize growing geopolitical risks, accept the need to do more for their own security, and are willing to support policies that reduce dependence on both the U.S. and Russia.
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The report argues that Europeans are adapting to a world in which they can no longer fully rely on the United States for security. Trust in America has fallen sharply, leading many Europeans to support stronger defense capabilities and greater strategic autonomy, while still hoping the transatlantic relationship improves in the future.
At the same time, Europeans continue to support Ukraine but are cautious about deeper commitments such as sending troops or rapidly admitting Ukraine to the EU. On energy, they largely reject a return to Russian fossil fuels and prefer investing in European and renewable sources despite higher costs.
The overall message is that Europeans have become more self-reliant and realistic: they recognize growing geopolitical risks, accept the need to do more for their own security, and are willing to support policies that reduce dependence on both the U.S. and Russia.
Generational aura loss, thanks Donny T