Wake Up, Europe: Stop Relying on the US for Defence

The time for Europe to wake up and take control of its own destiny has arrived. Depending on the United States for defence is not only irresponsible but also a betrayal of the very principles of sovereignty and self-determination. It is sheer idiocy for the 448 million citizens of the EU to rely on 334 million Americans 8000km away to protect them from Russia’s 143 million on the 2500km-wide doorstep. Europe must take full responsibility for its own security and develop a comprehensive grand strategy to address the myriad threats it faces.

A Grand Strategy: The Missing Piece

The lack of a cohesive grand strategy for defence is not just a bureaucratic oversight; it's a glaring vulnerability. Europe faces multifaceted threats—from a resurgent Russia to instability in the Middle East and North Africa, and from cyberattacks to terrorism. Countries as far away as China are attacking the EU every day. But the absence of a resolute and unified approach means Europe is ill-prepared to handle these challenges.

A grand strategy would encompass military, economic, trade, diplomatic, commercial, social, and technological dimensions, providing a holistic approach to security. This strategy must be comprehensive, integrating economic policies that support defence initiatives, diplomatic efforts aligned with security goals, mobilising populations for total defence, and prioritisation of technological advancements in defence. It’s not just about military might; it’s about creating a resilient and adaptable security framework that can respond to the evolving nature of global threats.

Economic Policies and Defence Funding

Europe needs to align its economic policies with its defence goals. This means allocating sufficient resources to defence budgets, ensuring that member states meet their financial commitments to NATO and other defense initiatives. Investing in defence is not just about buying weapons; it’s about fostering innovation, creating jobs, growing a culture of independent security, and driving economic growth. Defence spending should be seen as an investment in the future, not a burden on the present.

Diplomatic Efforts and Unified Foreign Policy

Diplomacy is a crucial component of any grand strategy. Europe must present a united front in its foreign policy, speaking with one voice on matters of security and defence. This requires overcoming internal divisions and fostering a sense of collective responsibility among member states. Solidarity is key; the lack of it disgraceful and destructive. A unified foreign policy will enhance Europe’s credibility on the global stage and strengthen its ability to negotiate and collaborate with other major powers.

Technological Advancements in Defence

Technological superiority is a key factor in modern warfare. Europe must invest in cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, cyber defence, and advanced surveillance capabilities. These technologies will not only enhance Europe’s defence capabilities but also drive innovation and economic growth building in what we are learning especially in Ukraine and Taiwan. Collaboration between governments, academia, and the private sector is essential to foster a robust defence technology ecosystem.

The Leadership of Kaja Kallas

Kaja Kallas is not just another bureaucrat; she is a leader with the vision and resolve to drive Europe towards self-reliance in defence. Kaja Kallas stands as a resolute guardian of EU security, though her uncompromising stance has sparked both admiration of the hawkish and controversy of the dovish. Her tenure as Prime Minister of Estonia has shown that she understands the geopolitical threats we face and has the courage to confront them head-on.

As the EU Foreign Policy Chief, Kallas must spearhead this transformation. She needs to rally member states, overcome bureaucratic inertia, and push through the tough decisions required to make the EU a formidable power in its own right. As unyielding aegis, her leadership is our best shot at forging a new path, one where Europe stands tall and independent.

The Role of European Defence Industries

Companies like SAAB, Rheinmetall, and Leonardo are not just businesses; they are linchpins in our quest for security. These national champions must lead the charge in developing advanced defence technologies. From state-of-the-art fighter jets, the world’s best torpedoes and missiles, to robust cyber defence systems, the innovation must come from within Europe.

Governments must back these industries with substantial investment and supportive policies. This isn’t just about defence; it’s about economic growth and technological leadership. It also goes beyond defence because a war-winning offensive capability will be needed while Putin remains on his perch. A thriving defence industry will create jobs, drive innovation, and ensure that Europe is prepared for the strongly credible threats inexorably coming our way.

Fortify Europe: Unleashing a New Era of Defence

Europe needs a defence posture that is bold and powerful. This means revolutionising our military forces, embracing cutting-edge technologies like AI and autonomous drones, and ensuring rapid deployment capabilities. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine starkly highlights the dangers of unpreparedness.

Our response to these threats must be fierce and unwavering. Europe cannot be a passive player on the global stage. We must boldly declare to the world that we are ready, willing, and fully capable of defending our interests independently.

The Reality of the Threats

Russia’s brazen aggression in Ukraine and relentless provocations against the EU and NATO through incursions and sabotage underscore the severe threats Europe faces. This is not merely about territorial disputes; it’s an all-out assault on the principles of sovereignty and democracy. Europe must confront these threats with an unyielding and unified defense strategy. This demands not only military readiness but also unwavering political will and strategic foresight. We must rise to meet these challenges with strength and resolve, securing our future and our freedoms.

Cybersecurity and Hybrid Warfare

In today's digital age, cybersecurity is as critical as traditional defence measures. Cyberattacks can cripple infrastructure, steal sensitive information, and undermine public trust. Europe must invest in robust cybersecurity measures, including advanced cyber defence systems and comprehensive cyber hygiene practices. We need to learn from others; Taiwan defends itself from 30 million Chinese attack every month; we need to be able to do what Taiwan does. Hybrid warfare, which combines traditional military tactics with cyber operations, disinformation campaigns, and economic coercion, is a growing threat that Europe must be prepared to counter.

Terrorism and Internal Security

Terrorism remains a formidable threat to Europe's security. To counter this, Europe must supercharge its internal security measures, preventing attacks and dismantling terrorist networks. This demands superior intelligence sharing among member states, fortified border security, and potent counter-radicalisation programs. Internal security transcends mere threat response; it's about tackling the root causes of radicalisation and extremism. Europe must act decisively, with strength and unity, to protect its citizens and uphold its values against this persistent menace. The time for action is now—complacency is not an option.

The Importance of NATO

Europe must pursue greater self-reliance in defense. NATO remains crucial, but we cannot depend solely on its solidarity and unanimity. The U.S. shifts its stance daily, and Hungary’s Quisling behavior undermines NATO unity. This inconsistency exposes Europe’s vulnerability. While the transatlantic alliance offers a collective defence framework, Europe must simultaneously strengthen its own capabilities. This dual approach?—?reinforcing NATO while building independent strength?—?will fortify Europe’s security, ensuring preparedness against a spectrum of threats. Europe must lead its own defense, unwavering and united. And the EU must be prepared to act in its own defence, and offence, without NATO.

Energy Security and Geopolitical Stability

Energy security is a critical aspect of Europe's defence strategy. Dependence on foreign energy sources, particularly from hostile or unstable regions, poses a significant risk. The EU must diversify its energy sources, invest in renewable energy, and build strategic reserves to ensure energy security. This will reduce vulnerability to energy coercion and enhance geopolitical stability.

Climate Change and Security

Climate change is a global challenge with profound security implications. Extreme weather, resource scarcity, and population displacement intensify conflicts and spawn new threats. Europe must weave climate resilience into its defence strategy, investing in robust infrastructure and advanced technologies capable of withstanding climate impacts. This proactive approach not only secures Europe against climate-induced threats but also aligns with global efforts to mitigate climate change. It’s a call to action: integrate, innovate, and fortify Europe’s defences against the pressing realities of a changing world.

Migration and Border Security

Migration driven by conflict, economic hardship, and climate change presents urgent humanitarian and security challenges. Europe must craft bold, comprehensive migration policies that strike a balance between security and humanitarian obligations. This means fortifying border security, streamlining asylum processes, and tackling the root causes of migration through targeted development aid and proactive diplomatic efforts. Europe must act decisively, integrating compassion with strategic foresight to manage migration effectively and uphold its values while ensuring the safety and stability of the continent. The stakes are too high for half measures.

Economic Resilience and Strategic Autonomy

Economic resilience is the bedrock of national security. Europe must seize strategic autonomy in critical sectors, slashing dependence on foreign suppliers for essential goods and technologies. This demands developing robust supply chains, investing heavily in domestic manufacturing, and fostering relentless innovation in key industries. A resilient economy empowers Europe to weather shocks and maintain stability amid global uncertainties. If it means subsidising important suppliers such as for microchips and rare earths to onshore in the EU, so be it. It’s time for Europe to fortify its economic foundation, ensuring sovereignty and strength in an unpredictable world. The future of our security and prosperity depends on it.

Strengthening Democratic Institutions

Strong democratic institutions are the backbone of national security. Europe must fiercely protect its democratic processes from external meddling and internal subversion. This entails safeguarding elections with ironclad integrity, promoting media literacy to combat disinformation, and unwaveringly upholding the rule of law. A resilient democracy is less susceptible to the insidious tactics of hybrid warfare and better equipped to tackle security threats. It’s time for Europe to bolster its democratic defences, ensuring stability and freedom against any adversary. The strength of our democracy is the strength of our security.

Building Social Defence: Engaging Every Citizen

To truly fortify Europe, we must adopt a comprehensive approach to social defence, akin to Sweden’s Total Defence strategy. This means cultivating a culture where every EU citizen feels responsible for, and capable of, defending the Union. It involves comprehensive training programs, widespread public awareness campaigns, and civic education that emphasises the role of each individual in national security. By empowering citizens with the knowledge and skills to respond to crises, we create a resilient society that stands united and prepared to protect our shared values and sovereignty. This grassroots engagement is crucial for a robust, democratic defence.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

Europe, this is our wake-up call to the absurdity of our entire approach to defence and security. The era of complacency and dependency on the United States for your defence is over. It’s sheer idiocy for 448 million Europeans to rely on 334 million Americans, 8,000 kilometres away, to protect them from 143 million Russians on our very doorstep. This dependency not only undermines our sovereignty but also exposes us to grave risks.

Europe must forge a grand strategy, a comprehensive and unified approach to defence encompassing military, economic, diplomatic, trade, commercial, social, and technological dimensions. This isn't merely about military might; it’s about creating a resilient and adaptable security framework that addresses evolving global threats. We are under immediate threat and must align our economic policies with defence goals, invest in cutting-edge technologies, and present a united front in foreign policy.

Kaja Kallas’s leadership as the EU's iron-willed guardian offers a unique opportunity to drive this transformation. She must rally member states, overcome bureaucratic inertia, and make tough decisions to establish Europe as a formidable, independent power.

Our defence industries, like SAAB, Rheinmetall, and Leonardo, must lead the charge in developing advanced technologies. Governments must back these industries with substantial investments and supportive policies. A thriving defence sector will create jobs, drive innovation, and ensure Europe is prepared for any threat.

Europe needs a bold and powerful defence posture, embracing technologies like AI and autonomous drones, and ensuring rapid deployment capabilities. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine highlights the dangers of unpreparedness. Our response must be fierce and unwavering, signalling to the world that we are ready to defend our interests independently. Beyond defence, we need to build a fast, war-winning offensive capability to drive Putin back to Moscow.

The threats we face are real and immediate. Russia’s aggression, daily provocations, and hybrid warfare tactics demand a unified defence strategy, unwavering political will, and strategic foresight. Cybersecurity, internal security, energy security, corporate and social mobilisation, and migration policies all play crucial roles in our comprehensive defence strategy.

We must build economic resilience and strategic autonomy, reducing dependence on foreign suppliers and fostering innovation in key industries. Strengthening our democratic institutions is essential to protect against external interference and internal subversion. A resilient democracy is less vulnerable to hybrid warfare and better equipped to tackle security threats.

Europe, the time for action is now. Rise to the challenge, shed old dependencies, and build a future where we stand strong, independent, and capable of defending our sovereignty. This is about our survival and securing our rightful place in the world. Our world of lazy complacency is over.