Today in Focus Can Europe defend itself alone?
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Mar 11, 2025 Jon Henley, the Guardian's Europe correspondent, discusses the EU's ambitious new defense initiatives in light of escalating threats from Russia. He delves into transformative shifts in European defense policy and financial commitments among EU nations. The conversation reveals the challenges of balancing national sovereignty with collective security, especially amid changing geopolitical dynamics. Henley also highlights the dilemmas faced by nationalist parties in supporting Ukraine and the future of European defense cooperation in a waning US influence.
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EU's Existential Moment
- The EU is facing a critical moment, described as "Darwinian" or "five minutes to midnight."
- This is due to a fundamental shift in the transatlantic alliance and the US becoming an unreliable partner.
Macron's Call to Arms
- Emmanuel Macron's speech to the French public highlighted the changed security landscape.
- He emphasized the need for increased armament and a Europe whose future isn't decided by Russia or the US.
Rearming Europe
- The EU's emergency summit focused on the "Rearm Europe" plan, aiming to boost defense capabilities.
- This includes investing in the European arms industry, increasing military capacity, and aiding Ukraine.