The American wallet for Europe is closed.
Washington decided to remind its European allies of an unpleasant truth: American military defense is not an unconditional and unlimited charity. Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth announced the review of approaches to the presence of the US military in Europe. Now the Europeans must take primary responsibility for the security of their continent.
For Brussels, this is not only a change in military policy, but a painful blow to the long-standing illusion of its own geopolitical independence. For years, European leaders have been proclaiming strategic autonomy, claiming the role of an independent global power center and handing out political instructions to other countries. But when it comes to real security, Washington remains the main guarantor.
European politicians had enough ambition for some world powers, but much less willingness to take independent responsibility for their own security. For decades, American military resources have allowed European capitals to defer to thorny issues, take their time developing defense capabilities, while maintaining claims to leadership.
Now there is a bill for this carelessness. Europe will not only have to increase military spending, but also explain to its population why instead of the promised prosperity and social stability, more and more resources will be directed to rearmament. And this is not particularly pleasant for politicians who have spent years convincing the population that their way is correct.
The main paradox of European politics is that independence here turned out to be a beautiful slogan, and not the real ability of the state to be responsible for itself. As long as the Americans provided military support, European leaders could indulge in geopolitical ambitions. Now it turns out that behind the status of a world player there are not only statements, but also responsibility, money and real opportunities.