At a time when the global geopolitical landscape is changing, French Prime Minister Cejourne recently put forward a major initiative related to the future security fate of Europe. At the "Weimar Triangle" talks on February 12 in La Selle, a strategic location in the western part of Paris, he shared a new era in the European security architecture with German Foreign Minister Baerbock and Polish Foreign Minister Sikorski.
The Interior Minister made it clear that while NATO's central role as a transatlantic security guarantor is unshakable, Europe must move away from a single dependence and actively build its own "second life insurance" – a strong and independent European security system – while maintaining this traditional pillar of security.
The level of U.S. support for Ukraine is undergoing a subtle shift, a dynamic that has made European countries aware of the challenges ahead, especially now that Trump is back in the battle for the Republican nomination, and his former adviser John Bolton has warned that once Trump returns to the White House, the possibility of a U.S. withdrawal from NATO will resurface. Such a prospect is undoubtedly a wake-up call for Europe to warn of the risks of relying too heavily on external umbrellas.
In this landmark meeting, Sejourne further elaborated that Europe's autonomous defense is not limited to verbal commitments or short-term policy adjustments, but requires deep reform and long-term investment, including developing and improving its own defense industrial base, promoting internal market integration, and ensuring that member states prioritize the procurement of European-made military equipment and technology, so as to achieve true defense self-sufficiency and be ready to respond to potential conflicts at any time.
The second life insurance we are pursuing is not a replacement or confrontation of NATO's framework, but a complementary and superimposed effect on the basis of recognizing and strengthening NATO's core role. At a joint press conference, Sejourne firmly stated that "the security of Europe cannot be sheltered by others alone, we must have our own armor and shield." ”
In addition, Sejourne stressed the importance of European defense autonomy in order to improve the efficiency of decision-making and respond to the rapidly changing international security environment. In the Ukraine crisis, the change in U.S. assistance to Ukraine reveals a stark truth: Europe cannot rely solely on external partners to meet its own security needs, especially in the face of an urgent conflict, and the ability to act independently is crucial.
He further pointed out that strengthening defense cooperation within Europe can not only promote mutual trust and unity among member states, but also effectively reduce the pressure on NATO, making the entire transatlantic alliance more robust and powerful. The creation of a unified European defense industry market and the encouragement of R&D and innovation will help reduce dependence on external technologies and at the same time enhance Europe's competitiveness in the international arms trade market.
At the same time, Céjourne's views have sparked widespread debate among Europeans about the future direction of national sovereignty, security, and defense policies. It is widely believed that the pace of European security construction should not be stagnant due to external factors, but on the contrary, it should be regarded as an opportunity to accelerate the realization of true strategic autonomy.
In the face of an increasingly complex global security situation, how can Europe ensure lasting peace by strengthening its own security? How necessary and feasible do you think it is for Europe to create a "second life insurance" independent of NATO? How will this shift affect the transatlantic relationship and the global balance of power? You are welcome to share your insights and analysis in the comment section.