Europe’s tears betray its weakness

Two weeks ago, I compared the European defense posture to the “The Ant and the Grasshopper” fable, which ends with the ant stating: “You were singing? I’m glad to hear it. Well then, dance now.” I did not think I would see the fable play out so clearly. Yet, after US Vice President J.D. Vance delivered a straightforward speech to European elites at the Munich Security Conference, the tears of the chairman of the conference during his closing speech were indeed those of the grasshopper who had left himself unprepared for the coming winter.

Long before this speech, I had noticed across social media an obsession among European elites, both in politics and business, with the current US administration. It has become the evil that is abandoning Europe. As an example, Elon Musk has become a target of criticism for his innovation in space since he took on the role of reducing waste in the US administration and inviting Europeans to do the same. Now, I am not dissatisfied with the conclusion that calls for greater European responsibility when it comes to key issues such as security, defense and space. Yet, I believe that this obsession is used by some to avoid taking corrective steps and evading accountability for severe past mistakes.

I am sure most Europeans would have cheered Vance’s speech. However, this is not the case for the European elites, which are looking to deflect the blame for the flawed defense and security policies of recent decades on to the new White House. The theatrics are clear: “It is not our fault, it is Trump’s. Europe did not get lazy, it is the US that is abandoning us. Europe did not underspend on defense, it is once again that the US is abandoning us.” Yet, what is most worrying to them is not that Donald Trump may be destroying the transatlantic alliance, but rather that he is attempting to destroy the status quo and end Europe’s free ride. Let’s face it, Europe’s dependency on the US forbade it from being proactive on the geopolitical issues it faced.

This is why the same reality check and transformation that is taking place in the US needs to take place in Europe. It is now key for Europe to act swiftly and take back control. It is a necessity to start rebalancing transatlantic relations. There is no escaping this reality.

I am sure most Europeans would have cheered Vance’s speech. However, this is not the case for the European elites

Khaled Abou Zahr

Everyone talks about a partnership with the US, but the reality is that when you are dependent there is no partnership. Despite all the reports and conferences analyzing the new geopolitical world order, the Europeans have not once thought they should push for being stronger within the alliance and hence stronger together. We will not cry over spilt milk, but a stronger Europe would have stopped the war in Ukraine. It would have taken the lead to prevent it in 2022, as well as in 2016 and 2017 to halt the escalation as it was happening.

No longer can Europe sleepwalk. Vance’s speech was truthful and balanced. He did not waste time on the consequences of the illness but focused on the illness itself. Hence, he briefly mentioned Ukraine, Russia and China to focus on the lack of direction from within Europe. Indeed, you cannot fight and defend yourself if you do not know what you stand for or what you need to defend. This is the core of it: the abandonment of Europe’s values and their replacement with a powerful bureaucracy that is unrealistic, along with disconnected policies in energy, security and defense. It did not take much time for Europe’s enemies inside and outside to take note.

This transformation needs to take place now, but it will of course take time. And when it comes to the transatlantic alliance — which is the bedrock of Europe’s security — Europeans need to present a strong plan that shows a true commitment. There is no doubt that Washington will react positively if there is a true will and adherence to this change.

Tears will not defend Europe. Tears invite aggression. It is true that the values of the transatlantic alliance have been flouted. As we say, it takes two to tango and the US has let Europe enjoy a free ride for too long. This is why today there is a historic opportunity for Europe to realign its values and recommit to the alliance as a true partner, not a subordinate. I can hear whispers of the easy way out in European corridors: of waiting for this presidency to end. That four years will not be enough to change policies permanently and that this tension will pass. But this is a dangerous and ostrich-like policy that Europe cannot afford.

You cannot fight and defend yourself if you do not know what you stand for or what you need to defend

Khaled Abou Zahr

Hence, Europe should present a clear strategy focusing on defense and geopolitical realignment. This should start by immediately increasing defense spending to meet NATO targets. Moreover, a clear strategy for strengthening European military capabilities should be put in place. And a unified stance on Russia and China.

Europeans need to take on a bigger role in global stability efforts. This would demonstrate its willingness to share the burden of security and economic leadership, reinforcing the transatlantic alliance. More importantly, Europe needs to gain a voice in the decision-making process and not just acquiesce to incorrect policies. Today, as the Europeans are acting as spongers in terms of defense, this is impossible, but when Europe carries its weight, Washington will listen.

I am optimistic that Europe can and will rise to this challenge, simply because we now know what needs to be done and new leaders are willing to act. This is why Vance’s speech should not be met with the weakness of tears, but with the strength of action and change to propel the transatlantic alliance to new heights.

• Khaled Abou Zahr is the founder of SpaceQuest Ventures, a space-focused investment platform. He is CEO of EurabiaMedia and editor of Al-Watan Al-Arabi.