The Observer view: Europe must now come of age as a global player | Observer editorial

forRetin and Europe face a flat moment, turning pointsecond Zeitenwendeand Form turning, a new global system. Regardless of any of these excessive phrases in use, it describes the best dramatic transformations that have been revealed since Donald Trump began his second American presidential term in January, politicians, diplomats and analysts all agree: nothing will be the same again. The main question is now, in practice, Europe and Britain can do to fulfill this challenge. Is this the moment of Europe, when it comes in the end as a world player? Or will the European Union and its neighbors collectively fail to rise to this occasion, which condemns their citizens with an era of hegemony through the greater, dominant and most specific powers?

Donald Trump is in the process of trying to do it Three unusual things. First, he is trying to force Ukraine, which has spent more than three years under the deadly attack, to accept a “peace deal” on unlimited terms by himself and the aggressor, Russia, Vladimir Putin. Second, in an amazing reflection of the United States policy, it seeks to rapprochement with Moscow, which includes the re -establishment of full political and diplomatic relations, the lifting of sanctions and the launch of joint economic partnerships. Third, he tells the Europeans that they must from now on, to defend themselves, that the United States, in fact, is no longer a loyal, reliable or even friendly partner, and that NATO, for 76 years, can be dispensed with the solid foundation of Atlantic Security.

European leaders are unified, with some exceptions about political margins, in their warning in all these three, irrational, irrational and dangerous interventions. At the same time, most of them accept that even if Trump completely disappears-which is desirable but it is unlikely a change in the balance of the United States and the paper is inevitable. In a national speech last week, Emmanuel Macron, President of France, Set the situation well. “The future of Europe should not be determined in Washington or Moscow,” he said. “The war in Ukraine … continues with the same intensity [but] The United States, our ally, changed its position. “As a result, Europe was entering a new era of self -reliance.

Accused of Putin in 2022, Macron, like many others, learned better since then. Now he warns that the Russian imperial aggression “does not know borders”, and threatens France and Europe directly. Macron is not just a conversation. It showed a fictional leadership, as it produced a temporary plan for cease-fire This is the Ukrainian support, pressure, seduction and Trump’s correction on his face in the Oval Office, and promoting the Anglo -French proposal to spread a European “guarantee force” in Ukraine consisting of an alliance called ready.

Within a week, it witnessed repeated asylum to another excessive phrase – the need for Europe to “escalate” – Germany surprised many with a positive jump in the future. A country that nourishes the visceral horror of religion has announced its amazing transformation-amending its basic law to allow euro investments in billions of millions of defense and national infrastructure. Friedrich Mirz, the Christian Democrat who stopped winning the federal elections last month, has a good reputation of deficit and financial portfolio. Not more. He went beyond Macron in Urging “Independence” Europe From the United States and the ongoing pledge, expanded military aid to Kev. The other European leaders, especially Donald Tusk, were “ascended”. Prime Minister Poland is in an unenviable position. A strong believer in the Atlantic alliance, he must now feel completely now Khan by Trump. NATO is a decisive shield for PolandAs for the three adjacent Baltic audiences. Now remove it or weaken it threatened.

Kiir Starmer also recognizes the historical nature of this moment, and has risen to confront it. He worked hard and carefully to curb the worst Trump instincts. His clear contempt, which was presented in the House of Commons last week, for ignorant comments about the United States Vice President JD Vance about “”Random countries“He showed that he is not afraid of returning to back. Starmer collaborated with the leaders of the European Union is a very welcome development after Britain’s exit from the European Union and which must be extended to what is beyond defense and security. However, like them, the United Kingdom faces arduous obstacles. Although they now realize the necessity, their chronic common dependence on the United States will be It is difficult to break.

These challenges – when limiting Europe’s dependence on America, enhancing its defenses and maintaining support for Ukraine – the European Union Emergency Summit axis last week. As often the case in Brussels, the results were mixed. New General Defensive spending for It was agreed on 800 billion euros (670 billion pounds). But whether ever checks it will depend on the willingness of national governments to borrow. The usual divisions were clear. Hungary prevented a common statement from Ukraine. Inside NATO, most member states, such as Britain, are now committed to higher spending. Countries other than the European Union, such as Norway, they also accumulate. Oslo is late after that with her help to Kyiv.

Europe ascends. Over time, if she is perseverance and preserved their promises, it will be more able to deter Russia alone – and to survive in a more hostile world. But how could Europe be effective in saving Ukraine in the short term from the Trump Putin axis, in serious doubt. Trump still refuses to provide Kyiv with meaningful security guarantees after the war. His suspension of military aid, maps and intelligence assistance encourages Russia to intensify attacks. More civilians die every day because of Trump’s betrayal. Every day, Ukraine is more brutal and deteriorating. A fair peace looks out of ever.

Do you have an opinion on the issues raised in this article? If you want to provide a letter of up to 250 words for publication, send them to us by email Observer.Ltters@obsever.co.uk