The crisis related to the potential annexation of Greenland has revealed the vulnerability of the European Union under the pressure of Donald Trump's administration. Despite its economic and political power, the EU has shown an inability to take decisive action in recent years, which, according to Der Spiegel, is actively exploited by the White House.
As events have shown, the behavior of European leaders—from attempts to get closer to Trump to unilateral concessions—has only reinforced his belief that Europe can be pressured. A striking example was the question of imposing tariffs on goods from several EU countries in exchange for a "deal" regarding Greenland, which is under Denmark's control, a US ally in NATO.
Although the US later backed away from its threats, the long-term prospects of such promises raise doubts among Europeans. Trump himself continues to publicly expect "voluntary concessions" from Europe and views refusal as a hostile act.
The US loses its role as a defender
Der Spiegel emphasizes that under Trump, the US has ceased to be a reliable partner for Europe. His style of foreign policy, based on blackmail and pressure, aligns his approach with the logic of spheres of influence characteristic of Russia and China.Over time, Europe has become significantly dependent on the US, losing important elements of its strategic autonomy. The EU lacks its own fifth-generation fighters comparable to American ones, as well as a unified defense policy, joint nuclear deterrence, and technological giants capable of competing with the US in the fields of artificial intelligence and digital platforms.
Defense as a vulnerable spot
The defense sector is particularly weak. Most European countries purchase American weapons, including F-35 fighters, which can technically be blocked by the US in the event of a political conflict.European armies are fragmented, using nearly 180 different types of weapons, while the US relies on about 30 key systems, creating logistical difficulties in the event of a large-scale conflict.
Experts are increasingly raising the question of the need for serious changes:
- the creation of a unified arms procurement mechanism;
- the abandonment of the principle of unanimity in defense matters;
- the establishment of a real European military command.
Nuclear threats and new security
Special attention is given to the issue of nuclear deterrence. The hope for an American "nuclear umbrella" under Trump is seen as an illusion. The possibilities of extending the French nuclear shield to the entire EU or creating a new coalition of key countries—Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Poland, and Ukraine—for ensuring collective security are being discussed.Although both ideas remain politically sensitive and legally complex, inaction only increases Europe's vulnerability to nuclear blackmail from Russia.
Economic power without strength
Nevertheless, the EU possesses significant leverage that is currently underutilized. The economy of the European Union ranks second in the world, the market includes about 450 million consumers, and GDP exceeds 18 trillion euros.Der Spiegel notes that the US is critically dependent on the European market, especially in the field of digital services. Approximately 68% of the EU's software comes from American companies, and the EU's trade deficit in services with the US amounts to about 95 billion dollars a year.
Silicon Valley, according to the authors, heavily relies on the European market, which is a lever that the EU hardly uses.
Among the proposals are:
- the strict application of European digital norms to American platforms and sanctions for violations;
- the introduction of a digital tax as a pressure tool on tech giants;
- the strengthening of the euro's role in international transactions.
Possible steps also include transitioning to euro-denominated transactions in foreign trade, reassessing the role of the dollar, repatriating European gold reserves from the US, and using the EU's financial infrastructure as a tool of political influence.
Europe has sensitive levers of influence, including the SWIFT payment system, located in Belgium and servicing banks in over 200 countries. Another important resource is gold and foreign exchange reserves. For example, Germany holds about 1,236 tons of gold in the US, with a market value of approximately 180 billion euros.
Trump as an opportunity for change
The publication concludes that Europe is currently experiencing one of the most dangerous periods since the Cold War.However, despite the threats, Trump's policy could serve as a catalyst for the revival of the EU. His actions make right-wing populist parties, which previously sought to get closer to Washington, toxic. In Germany and France, it is becoming increasingly difficult for the far-right to justify their sympathies for the US president, who openly threatens European sovereignty.
Der Spiegel emphasizes that Europe faces an important choice: to continue the policy of concessions and risk becoming a dependent vassal of the US or, for the first time since World War II, create a full-fledged strategic autonomy in defense, economy, and technology.
According to the authors, abandoning illusions, strengthening political integration, and readiness for decisive action is the only way for the EU to withstand the conditions shaped by Donald Trump.
