Anxious waiting will not secure Europe’s strategic future

Sustained shifts in American foreign policy require European nations to build genuine collective autonomy rather than lamenting Washington's direction.

Donald Trump's embrace of Russian President Vladimir Putin has driven a sharp wedge into the transatlantic alliance. Unilateral policy shifts in Washington are accelerating on multiple fronts, highlighted by the U.S. State Department revoking over 300,000 visas since January 2025—up from 175,000 reported in August. Yet despite growing dismay across European capitals, leaders remain reluctant to break away and pursue a truly self-reliant path.

Sceptics of deeper integration rightly point out that the United States remains Europe's most vital security and economic ally, and replacing deep-seated transatlantic bonds overnight is neither practical nor desirable.

However, managing alliance ties cannot mean accepting perpetual dependency. Relying on an unpredictable guarantor leaves 27 nations exposed to the domestic political turns of a single foreign electorate. Building shared European capabilities, integrated defence buying, and a coordinated foreign policy does not weaken the alliance. On the contrary, a stronger, self-reliant Europe is a far better partner to Washington than an anxious client.

European leaders must translate their outrage into collective action. Unity where scale matters is the only way for the continent to secure its own interests and speak with a single, respected voice.

Sources:

Trump’s embrace of Putin roils Europe, but not enough to break with the US — Euronews, 21 October 2026
More than 300,000 U.S. visas revoked since Trump returned to office — CPH Post, 21 October 2026