In the absence of the US security guarantee, Europe will have to rearm while also remaining united. The good news is that the Europeans are capable of achieving both—as long as they truly want to.

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.

The real benchmark for Europe turning into a geopolitical actor is its ability to militarily deter Russia and China. It is very far from reaching it.

In an increasingly competitive world the concept of European sovereignty has gained in currency. But it’s important to understand exactly what that means.