European leaders at the Munich Conference presented a united front in favor of increasing defense budgets and upgrading NATO. However, messages about European defense autonomy and criticism of the US indicate a new phase in relations between the two sides. According to Politico, Europe appears to be meeting US expectations by increasing defense spending while simultaneously reducing its dependence on North America. However, Donald Trump may not be pleased with what American pressure is creating.
Throughout the Munich Security Conference on Friday, European leaders advocated for the need to strengthen defense budgets and restructure the transatlantic alliance with a more independent role for Europe. The message was clear: “Europe must strengthen its own sectors, such as defense forces, space and technology, to reduce its dependence on external powers, including the US,” the leaders stated, strengthening the voice of European patriotism.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized the importance of NATO for Europe and the US, saying “being part of NATO is an advantage for Europe, but also for the US. Let’s restore and revive transatlantic trust together.”
For his part, French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the need to accelerate Europe’s strategic autonomy, warning that major powers must develop full strategic power, including technologies and defense, to become less dependent on third parties, including the US.
“Everything concerning Europeans must be decided by Europeans. We will continue to live door-to-door with Russia and we must define this neighborhood ourselves.” “How can we find ourselves in a stronger negotiating position? In this new framework we must become stronger, more independent. I don’t mean France. I don’t mean Germany. I mean Europe as a whole. To see power collectively as Europeans. To free ourselves from dependencies in a series of sectors. To set clear goals,” Macron said, as reported by DW, while in other parts of his speech he stressed:
“We took steps last year and we must continue on this path. We must accelerate our defense cooperation. We developed new tools like SAFE, we found new resources. There is great willingness in the market to finance us. It’s not just about weapons though. What we need to show above all is determination.”
American satisfaction with increased defense spending in Europe
American officials expressed their satisfaction with increased defense spending in Europe, as the US restructures its strategy and focuses on the Asia-Pacific region. Deputy Secretary of Defense Elbridge Colby praised Germany’s “historic and enormous shift” on defense spending issues.
However, the American position and European stance differ on points, with Macron noting that Europe must show more pride in the Union and not be swayed by Euroscepticism. At the same time, European leaders mentioned that Europe will continue to support Ukraine with money and weapons, while American support under Trump’s leadership has been significantly limited. Similarly, other European leaders, such as Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, emphasized the importance of maintaining the transatlantic relationship and mutual benefit from the alliance.
Europe, with help from Germany and France, appears to be moving toward a new agreed defense model, based on strengthening strategic autonomy and the need to avoid excessive dependence on the US. Meanwhile, the issue of strengthening defense spending remains central, as Europeans seek to take a more independent role on the global geopolitical map.
