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The continent is facing challenges on many fronts and needs to improve its strategic capability. But where can the money for this come from?

For decades, it has been easier for Berlin to invoke American power than to compromise with its continental neighbors. This has always been a risky bet. Trumpism will force Germany back into Europe—to its benefit.

The re-election of Donald Trump as US president may actually lead to some positive development in Central and Eastern Europe. The countries so far reluctant to spend big on defense may finally come round to doing so.

Challenges to the liberal West are no longer limited to Russia and China. Within the West, a new generation of transatlantic right-wing populists are networking and looking to attack the establishment, as developments in France show.

The different camps within Europe will need to come together and find ways to come to terms with Donald Trump in the White House.

Donald Trump’s re-election speaks of the definite end of the globalization consensus in the United States. It also represents a tectonic shift in US foreign policy, says Emily Haber, Germany’s ambassador to Washington during the first Trump administration.

Highly indebted European NATO countries should levy a “defense tax” to make their long-term commitment to higher defense spending politically credible and financially sustainable.

Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has unified European thinking about defense. But differences remain, says the Czech Defense Ministry’s Director-General for Defense Policy and Planning Jan Jireš. 

Washington has never been quite sure what it wants the Europeans to do militarily in the Indo-Pacific. The answer will only become clearer once Europe has rebuilt its military capacities. If it uses its potential, it will be able to act as a great power ally.

By introducing a defense commissioner, Ursula von der Leyen’s second European Commission makes clear that Europe’s security is an urgent priority. Defense industrial policy will, by necessity, be a key focus.

Europe is in desperate need of leadership when it comes to security. Yet, so far there is little sign of any Franco-German meeting of minds on defense.

Despite lofty ambitions and notable space-based capabilities, the EU is lagging behind. Only through cooperation and significantly increased investment can Europe adequately respond to the increased relevance of space and the heightened orbital security environment.