As Europe watches the possibility of Donald Trump’s return to the White House, the continent is preparing to safeguard its interests by advancing its push for “strategic autonomy.” During Trump’s first term, his “America First” policies challenged the foundations of transatlantic cooperation, exposing Europe’s heavy reliance on the United States, particularly in defense and economic stability. This shift left European leaders increasingly aware of the risks in relying too heavily on a single ally, especially in a climate of unpredictable U.S. policy.
Now, European leaders, particularly in France and Germany, are intensifying efforts to reduce dependencies in areas like defense, energy, and technology. This includes initiatives such as the European Defence Fund, aimed at bolstering independent military capabilities, as well as investing in renewable energy sources to lessen reliance on U.S. and foreign energy imports. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and French President Emmanuel Macron have been vocal advocates for strengthening Europe’s own resilience, calling for measures to make Europe more self-sufficient in its defense and economic affairs.
The NATO alliance remains a cornerstone of European security, but there’s a growing sentiment within the EU that Europe must be able to manage crises on its own terms. This extends to the tech sector, where Europe is investing in semiconductor manufacturing and digital infrastructure to gain leverage in an increasingly digitized global economy. The strategic autonomy push also reflects lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted supply chain vulnerabilities and prompted a rethinking of how Europe secures critical resources.
As the U.S. enters its election cycle, European leaders are bracing for shifts in global policy that could affect everything from energy supply to NATO’s cohesion. They are preparing to ensure that Europe can navigate these uncertainties independently, bolstering their economies and strategic infrastructure so that Europe stands resilient—whether Trump, or any other leader, sits in the Oval Office. The message from Europe is clear: greater autonomy isn’t about distancing itself from the United States but about ensuring Europe’s ability to act confidently in a multipolar world.
