The unveiling of the new US national security strategy has underscored a pressing need for enhanced European economic and military strength, according to former German Vice Chancellor and Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel. Speaking to the “Rheinische Post”, Gabriel, now Chairman of the transatlantic think tank Atlantik-Brücke, characterized the document as a predictable reiteration of policies previously signaled by the Trump administration.
Gabriel pointed to recent developments, including Vice President J.D. Vance’s remarks at a security conference and the US’s evolving stance on Ukraine, as indicative of the strategy’s consistent trajectory. He provocatively suggested that the current plan could have been generated by an AI model like ChatGPT, fed with prior statements from the US government.
The former minister stressed that the strategy’s implications for Europe are clear: increased economic power is critical to regaining influence and demonstrating capability to US counterparts. He cautioned against what he termed “servility” toward Donald Trump, arguing that it would prove ineffective.
Regarding military capabilities, Gabriel advocated for the development of a robust European pillar within the NATO framework, alongside the UK and Canada. Crucially, he stipulated that this buildup should occur “within” NATO, preventing any scenario where the United States might feel compelled to withdraw from its commitments. He explicitly rejected the pursuit of such a pillar solely within the EU, citing lengthy processes and the obstructive influence of nations like Hungary.
Furthermore, Gabriel suggested a pragmatic approach to security cooperation beyond the traditional NATO sphere, where collaboration with partner nations – even those not favored by US expansionist inclinations – could enhance European security interests. This hints at a potential divergence from US priorities and underscores a growing sense of strategic autonomy within Europe.
