EU foreign policy chief warns Europe against over-reliance on US amid Ukraine war

By Necva Tastan Sevinc

ISTANBUL (AA) - EU’s foreign policy chief Josep Borrell on Tuesday urged European nations to bolster their defense capabilities and reduce reliance on the US as transatlantic politics remain uncertain, particularly with US President-elect Donald Trump returning to the presidency for a second consecutive term.

Speaking before a meeting of the EU Defense Council in Brussels, Borrell emphasized the importance of continuing Europe's military support for Ukraine on the 1,000th day of the full-scale war with Russia.

He also praised the President Joe Biden-led US administration’s decision to authorize long-range weapons for Ukraine to strike deep inside Russian territories. Still, he emphasized that Europe cannot continue to rely on US leadership.

Borrell said Europeans "cannot sit and wait to see what Trump decides," stressing that they must take responsibility.

During Trump's first term in office, from 2017 to 2021, he strained relations with NATO by repeatedly criticizing his allies' defense spending and questioning the military alliance's relevance.

While Biden has reaffirmed the US’ commitments to NATO and Ukraine, Borrell has suggested that Europe must prepare for shifts in US foreign policy, particularly once the Trump administration returns to Washington.

Borrell emphasized the progress made during his tenure, which included the establishment of the European Peace Facility and the adoption of the Strategic Compass, which outlines the EU's long-term defense strategy.

However, he stressed that Europe must move beyond being a "factory" for NATO arms production and build its own strategic capabilities to face future challenges.

He urged European nations to increase their defense budgets, highlighting the geopolitical stakes, noting that EU military spending has increased by 30% since the conflict in Ukraine began.

"To spend together is the best way to save money and strengthen our collective defense," he said.