Europe must be prepared for defense without NATO

​US President Donald Trump's persistent stance on acquiring Greenland and the security challenges facing the European Union (EU) have dealt a blow to the 80-year-old transatlantic relations. The EU, which has viewed Russia as a threat to the continent and positioned Washington as its ally until now, is seeking a new horizon amid the alliance's fragility. Following the US's "Pivot to Asia" policy in 2013, the concept of "Strategic Autonomy"—which emerged with the thought that "the US may not always prioritize Europe's security"—has become one of the EU's primary priorities in this context. Charles Michel, former President of the European Council and Emeritus former Prime Minister of Belgium, evaluated Europe's new reality for Yeni Şafak.

Throughout his tenure, Michel worked to instill the awareness that collective responses to the threats facing the continent were necessary. He said, "Unity was my priority during my 5-year term, and I can proudly say that we achieved this at every EU summit. Decisions were always adopted unanimously. Unity is the fundamental condition for credibility and influence. Without unity, we invite pressure." Michel, who said the concept of Strategic Autonomy was never just a slogan for him, stated, "For the last ten years, it has been very clear that we need to invest in strategic autonomy to avoid becoming a museum of the world. This is a necessity today as well. In the current geopolitical conditions, we have no choice but to make quick and sometimes bold decisions to build our strategic autonomy," and commented, "This is Europe's only security policy."

Michel expressed that Europe has real power of influence with its market, industry, and freedoms, but this power only works if used. He stated that Russia will try to exploit cracks and divisions. Michel commented, "This is exactly why unity is a necessity, and our transition to strategic autonomy must be serious, fast, and concrete. The choice is very clear: Either we act together and quickly, or others will decide for us."

Referring to Trump's insistence on Greenland, Michel said, "The transatlantic relationship as we have known it for decades has ended, and we need to build a new relationship. When the sovereignty of a European territory is threatened, we must stand firm and defend it." He added, "However, if Europe engages in flattery to please or appease, or gives a complacent response, it invites more pressure. If Europe responds with unity and determination, it can re-establish the balance. Of course, we can be open to dialogue, but now everyone understands that dialogue only works between equals. This is another reason why we need strategic autonomy; our fate is in our own hands."

Michel stated that EU security cannot be conceived without Türkiye. He said, "Türkiye is a major regional and strategic actor. Europe cannot think about security, energy routes, migration, or stability in the Mediterranean without Türkiye." Expressing that Europe's quest for Strategic Autonomy should not mean closing in on itself, Michel said, "Strategic autonomy does not mean isolation. It means stronger, more balanced, and more effective partnerships. Europe and Türkiye may have disagreements on some issues, but they can still cooperate in areas that really matter. What is needed now is less ideology and emotion, more pragmatism and action. We need to reduce mistrust and work on more concrete projects. If we want to be strong, we need more partnerships built on respect and openness."

Michel, expressing that Europe's security passes through a real European defense based on a strong industrial foundation, said, "This requires closer cooperation with Türkiye, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, Norway, the Western Balkans countries, and others. We have the tools and technologies. Less talk, more action. We must be bolder and faster." Commenting that "ideally, Europe's defense should take place with NATO and within NATO," Michel concluded his remarks by saying, "However, recent developments show that we need to be prepared for any eventuality."

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