For decades, Europe basked in the post-Cold War glow of peace and prosperity. With the fall of the Soviet Union and the "end of history" moment in the 1990s, military might seemed obsolete. EU member states eagerly cashed in on the so-called peace dividend, slashing defense budgets in favor of welfare spending and other expenses.

As Antonio Gramsci observed in the 1930s, “The old world is dying, and the new one struggles to be born. Now is the time of monsters.” His words ring true once again. From Ukraine to Gaza, from Sudan to the DRC, various countries are engulfed in devastating conflicts. A global trade war is looming, the global order is unraveling, and chaos is filling the void.

The comfort of dependency

Europe’s post-Cold War strategy leaned heavily on the military protection of the United States. Under the umbrella of NATO and American firepower, EU nations enjoyed a sense of safety that allowed them to focus inward. Even as warning signs accumulated—Russia’s invasion of Georgia, annexation of Crimea, hybrid cyberattacks, and America’s pivot to Asia—Europe chose complacency.

The 2022 invasion of Ukraine was a wake-up call. Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz responded with the "Zeitenwende"—a declared turning point. It was a crucial signal, but still fell short of the scale and urgency needed. “Zeitenwende” is not just about spending more money on the military; it includes many more aspects, such as developing strategic thinking. Europe continued to hedge, clinging to its dependence on the U.S., hoping the transatlantic alliance would hold.

The Trump shock and the end of illusions

What truly shattered the illusion was the return of Donald Trump. His contemptuous treatment of allies, including the humiliation of Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, shook faith in NATO. With Trump casting doubt on America’s commitment to defend Europe, even the most pro-American Europeans, such as the incoming German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, realized the transatlantic bond is broken, perhaps beyond repair.

This shift is not about one man. It's about a system where the transatlantic alliance swings wildly every four years. How can Europe build a future on such a fragile foundation? The era of "The West" as a united front is in turmoil (and might be over). A partnership between Europe and the U.S. may remain, but the brotherhood is dead.

Europe must grow up

Europe must now do what it has long avoided: grow up. That means more than just military spending. It means building a comprehensive, strategic capacity for self-defense and global influence. A European army may still be a distant goal, but it must become the ultimate one.

What’s needed is a continental shift in mindset. Just to name a few:

  • Recognize your own strength: despite facing economic, military, and technological challenges, Europe possesses immense power, much of which it either fears or remains unaware of. It's time for Europe to acknowledge its potential and understand how to harness it effectively.

  • Develop genuine military capabilities: this means more than just tanks and fighter jets—it includes logistics, strategic enablers, advanced technologies like AI and drones, as well as coordinated efforts in joint procurement, interoperability, and shared command structures.

  • Empowering European Intelligence and Surveillance for a safer future: Europe faces a rapidly evolving security landscape—from state-sponsored cyber attacks to transnational terrorism. To effectively counter these threats, robust intelligence and surveillance capabilities are essential. Across the European continent, there are highly competent intelligence agencies with strong operational ties and trusted relationships around the world. This represents a powerful foundation—one that must be strengthened through modernization, deeper cooperation, and a shared commitment to proactive security.

  • Protecting infrastructure and strengthening civil defense: resilience is more than a slogan—it’s a society’s capacity to withstand and respond to crisis through preparedness, coordination, and strategic planning. Recent attacks on European infrastructure serve as a stark warning: the time to act is now.

  • Strategic independence: Europe must assert greater autonomy—economically, technologically, and militarily—to avoid being caught between competing powers like China and the United States. The influence of Elon Musk, a private business owner and close Trump ally, over Ukraine’s access to Starlink during military operations highlights just how vulnerable such dependencies can be. Europe cannot afford to outsource its sovereignty.

A global vision, not just a fortress

Europe must also look beyond its borders—not to close itself off, but to expand partnerships. Germany for example currently trades more with Hungary than with the entire African continent. There is much opportunity for more. Africa, Latin America, and Asia should get much more attention from Europe. Retreating and cutting ODA budgets is not the solution.

Europe must step into the vacuum left by a retreating U.S. and forge global alliances built on mutual respect and long-term collaboration. Trade, yes—but also trust, development, and even security cooperation.

The new continent: peacekeeper and power

The EU was born from the ashes of war—a peace project for a continent in ruins. But peace without power is fragile. To survive in a world of monsters and multipolar tension, Europe must grow strong, grow united, or fade into irrelevance (or even destruction). This challenge extends beyond the European Union itself. Non-EU countries like the United Kingdom and Norway must also be part of a broader European effort to defend shared values, ensure security, and shape global affairs with a common voice.

We must stop whispering about strategic autonomy and start acting on it. The time for dreams is over. The time for decisive, collective strength is now.

If you want peace, prepare for war.