The recent US military intervention in Venezuela has ignited a renewed call within Germany for a significant shift in Europe’s geopolitical stance. Omid Nouripour, Vice President of the German Bundestag and a prominent figure within the Green Party, has argued that the European Union must urgently evolve into a “sovereign great power” to effectively navigate the complexities of international relations.
Speaking to the Funke-Mediengruppe newspapers, Nouripour underscored the perceived inadequacy of the EU’s current foreign and security policy. He stated that Europe can no longer remain a peripheral player, passively reacting to developments dictated by other global powers. Instead, he insisted, a proactive, self-assertive approach is essential for the survival of what he termed the “rules-based international order.
Nouripour’s pronouncements represent a significant escalation in the debate surrounding European strategic autonomy. He called for prioritizing the development of a robust European Defence Union, framing it not merely as a policy choice but as a matter of “existential importance” for European security. Critics often point to the EU’s historical reliance on the United States for its defense and Nouripour’s comments directly challenge this dependency.
However, the proposal is not without its complexities. The call for a “sovereign great power” raises questions about the EU’s internal cohesion and the potential for divergent national interests to undermine a unified foreign policy. While some member states are receptive to bolstering European defence capabilities, others remain wary of actions perceived as undermining transatlantic relationships and potentially exacerbating geopolitical tensions. Furthermore, the practicalities of building a significantly stronger European military, including funding and decision-making structures, pose substantial hurdles.
Nouripour’s critique extended beyond simply praising adherence to international law, highlighting it as insufficient in itself to constitute a meaningful foreign policy. He advocates for a more confident and assertive European posture, signaling a potential departure from the EU’s traditionally cautious approach to international affairs. The Venezuelan situation and the perceived lack of effective European response, has clearly catalyzed a re-evaluation of Europe’s role on the global stage, with Nouripour’s call representing a key voice in that evolving conversation.