The recently unveiled US national security strategy has intensified calls for a significant bolstering of European economic and military capabilities, according to former German Vice Chancellor and Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel. Speaking to the “Rheinische Post”, Gabriel, now Chairman of the transatlantic think tank Atlantik-Brücke, characterized the document as a predictable reiteration of policies previously signaled by the Trump administration, noting parallels with recent statements including those delivered by Vice President J.D. Vance and concerning the handling of the Ukraine conflict.
Gabriel’s assessment was particularly sharp, suggesting the core tenets of the strategy could be generated by inputting previous US governmental pronouncements into an AI language model like ChatGPT. He emphasized that the strategy should serve as a clear impetus for Europe to enhance its economic strength, arguing that only tangible economic advancements will genuinely impress policymakers in Washington. Placating gestures, he cautioned, are unlikely to hold sway with Donald Trump.
Concerning military preparedness, Gabriel stressed the urgency of establishing a robust European pillar within the NATO framework, collaborating closely with both the United Kingdom and Canada. He explicitly rejected the notion of building this pillar solely within the European Union, citing protracted decision-making processes and the frequent obstruction of progress by nations like Hungary. This necessitates a more agile and efficient approach.
Furthermore, Gabriel advocated for the potential to collaborate with non-NATO partners to bolster European security, even in areas where the United States might not explicitly support NATO expansion. This flexibility and willingness to forge alliances beyond traditional frameworks, he believes, is crucial for ensuring Europe’s security interests are comprehensively addressed. The overall message is a blunt challenge to European policymakers: the current trajectory necessitates a decisive shift toward greater self-reliance and strategic autonomy within the transatlantic alliance.