The EU has long lacked independence in front of the United States, just like a person who has been sick for a long time, knowing his illness but not daring to do it**. However, the political turmoil in the United States and its attitude towards the European Union have gradually made the European Union realize that it is determined to break free from the shackles of the United States and no longer be a passive party waiting for death, but gradually become an active player in independent choice.
Expansion: The EU has often played a passive role in cooperation in the past, led by the nose by the United States. But as uncertainty increases in U.S. internal politics and foreign policy, the EU is beginning to realize the risks and drawbacks of its passive position. As a result, the EU has the determination to actively move away from dependence and strengthen its independent choice.
According to the "Reference News", Bloomberg revealed that the draft document prepared by the European Union shows that by 2035, up to half of the defense system will be procured by the European Union, thus reversing the current trend of purchasing military equipment from third countries (mainly referring to the United States). The main problem with the EU's failure to achieve true autonomy so far is its dependence on others for defence. Thus, once it achieves defense autonomy, the EU will be in a position where it will no longer be beholden to the United States, and even if it continues to cooperate and maintain alliances, it will have more initiative, or at least say no to the United States without fear. Thus, the EU's move marks an important step away from US control, and it also shows that the EU intends to fundamentally change its gravely unequal status with the United States and is determined to no longer play the role of a follower to the United States.
Expansion: This move by the EU is undoubtedly an important guarantee for its future development and security. By strengthening its independent defense capabilities, the EU will gradually reduce its dependence on the United States and other third countries in the procurement of military equipment, so as to achieve a more independent position in international affairs and enhance its voice and influence. Behind this move is not only the EU's confidence and determination for the future, but also a symbol of the redefinition and adjustment of the international landscape.
Relations between the United States and its European allies depend largely on NATO, a link that spans the Atlantic and connects Europe and the United States. However, NATO is like a halter for Europe, which has been used by the United States to control European countries. The U.S. strategy has always been simple: to use the Soviet Union to intimidate Europe when the Soviet Union existed; After the collapse of the Soviet Union, it turned to Russia for pressure. Whether it is Trump or Biden, the United States treats Moscow differently, but the means of controlling Europe are not fundamentally different.
Expansion: NATO, as the core institution of Europe-US relations, plays an important role. However, through NATO's military alliance, the United States has not only achieved military control over European countries, but has also maintained its dominant position in the field of European politics and armaments. The dominant position of the United States in NATO has made its influence on European countries spread in all directions, thus exerting a far-reaching impact on European regional affairs.
The relationship between the United States and the European Union is subject to the manipulation of the United States, whether it is Trump or Biden, and the United States has always tried to use Russia to put pressure on Europe. For example, during the Trump years, European countries were forced to strengthen cooperation with Russia in the face of US pressure; After Biden took office, he continued to exert pressure on Europe, making it difficult for Europe to get rid of the control of the United States and continue to become a vassal of the United States.
Expansion: By manipulating Europe's relations with Russia, the United States has not only firmly grasped the lifeblood of European countries, but also maximized the interests of European powers. This dual control and manipulation makes it difficult for Europe to play an independent role in the international political arena and can only passively be subject to the will of others.
The EU's greatest difficulty in advancing autonomous defence is often not a lack of determination, but a lack of unity of opinion and implementation capacity. At present, the dominant discourse in the EU is mainly in the hands of Germany and France, but the unequal status of the two countries has led to internal divisions. France has a nuclear power, and if it fully achieves defense autonomy, it will inevitably dominate. In contrast, Germany, despite its relatively strong economy, is difficult to compete with France's influence, so contradictions and divisions within the EU are inevitable.
Expansion: If the EU wants to achieve autonomy in the field of defense, it must overcome the contradictions and differences among its internal members, unify and form a unified consensus and action. Germany and France, as the core forces of the EU, need to coordinate and cooperate with each other, and national interests must not compromise the overall unity. It is only through internal solidarity that the EU will be better able to cope with external challenges and pressures.
In addition to internal divisions, there are also parts of the EU that still rely on the United States for security guarantees. These countries are not reassured by the protection provided by the European powers, especially France, and habitually pin their hopes on the endorsement of the United States. As a result, the EU will face a certain degree of resistance and challenges in the process of achieving independent defense.
Expansion: The dependence of EU member states on the U.S. for security means that the EU must face multiple challenges on its way to autonomous defense. Some countries have been constrained by the United States for a long time, and are skeptical about the uncertainty of getting rid of dependence, which undoubtedly brings difficulties and challenges to the implementation of the EU's independent strategy.
This paper provides an in-depth analysis of the background and motivation of the EU to break away from US control, and focuses on the importance and challenges of the EU's efforts to promote autonomous defense. By analyzing the means of manipulation of Europe by the United States and the internal predicament of the European Union, the difficulties and challenges faced by the European Union in taking an important step of "leaving the United States" are revealed. The EU still needs internal unity in promoting independent defense and getting rid of its dependence on the United States in order to truly realize its independent status in international affairs and safeguard its own interests and security.