Feb 9 • 09:00 UTC 🇬🇧 UK Guardian

Europe’s ‘painful’ realisation it must be bolder with US set out in security report

A new report highlights Europe's need to assert military independence from the US amid ideological tensions with the Trump administration.

A report from the Munich Security Conference indicates that Europe is confronting the necessity to become militarily independent from the US, especially under the Trump administration, which is perceived as authoritarian and dismissive of liberal democratic values. This assessment reflects a growing concern among European leaders regarding the reliability of the US as a partner in both trade and security.

The document suggests an impending ideological clash at the upcoming MSC conference, framing it as a pivotal moment for Europe to assert its stance and reconsider its strategies in the face of an unpredictable US foreign policy. This shift is particularly prompted by statements made by US Vice President JD Vance during last year's MSC, where he accused European elites of hindering free speech and exacerbating immigration issues, signaling a break from traditional diplomatic discourse.

As Europe reassesses its relationship with the US, leaders are engaged in disputes over critical issues such as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the Trump administration's controversial pursuits, like threats regarding Greenland. These dynamics underscore a significant moment in transatlantic relations, where Europe's call for more robust and independent security measures may redefine its role on the global stage.

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