Trump’s new National Security Strategy – an existential threat to Europe
The passages of the just published US National Security Strategy 2025 most relevant to EUrope are unusually explicit about how President Trump and his administration see the continent’s future – and who will lead it.
The EU is directly criticised, with a strong implication that 'regime change' or dismantling of existing structures is the desired path. Illiberal forces in EUrope are blatantly supported. The common thread is to maximise benefits for the US – and for Trump and his allies, including through coercion. This vision also involves normalising relations with Russia, betraying Ukraine's struggle for freedom and denying EUrope agency in its own security.
Even without reading the right-wing extremism between the lines, it is clear how much Trump despises the EU and liberal democracy. Yet many will again be tempted to downplay the threat emanating from Washington. Pro-European liberal forces need to finally wake up: Trump's America is not an ally but an adversary to Europe's freedoms and fundamental values. His objective is to replace our democratic system with the illiberal populism now entrenched in the US. Illiberal forces in Europe – increasingly organised, connected and resourced – will be emboldened from this support and will intensify efforts to hollow out the EU from within. This includes the digital sphere, where Trump's 'digital imperialism' seeks to sweep away EUropean constraints on US tech giants.
Europe must stop asking how to assuage Trump. Pro-European liberal democracy in EUrope faces a fight for survival, with a former ally now positioned on the opposing side. Meeting this challenge requires a more ambitious mindset on this side of the Atlantic – the answer is more Europe, not less, to defend integration and liberal democracy against the clearly visible threats.
Fabian Zuleeg is Chief Executive and Chief Economist at the European Policy Centre.
Janis A. Emmanouilidis is Director of Studies at the European Policy Centre.
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