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Europe confronts US disengagement at Yerevan summit
European leaders gathered in Armenia's capital on Monday to address growing concerns over Washington's waning commitment to continental security, though none explicitly named former US President Donald Trump during discussions.
Macron highlights over-reliance on US protection
French President Emmanuel Macron described US indifference toward European defense as "the elephant in the room" during the European Political Community (EPC) summit. He warned of Europe's "over-dependence on the American security umbrella," urging the bloc to accelerate efforts to strengthen its own military capabilities.
Starmer echoes calls for faster defense buildup
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer acknowledged that European alliances "are not where we want them to be," a veiled reference to strained transatlantic relations. He pressed for swifter action to bolster defenses, framing it as a priority for regional stability.
Trump's troop withdrawal adds urgency
The summit's tone was shaped by Trump's recent decision to withdraw 5,000 troops and long-range missiles from Germany-assets deployed by the Biden administration to counter Russian aggression. The move has deepened unease among European leaders about Washington's strategic priorities.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's absence from the summit underscored the tensions. His earlier criticism of Trump's Iran policy-calling it "strategyless"-drew a sharp rebuke from the former president, who accused Merz of "doing a terrible job."
NATO and economic pressures compound challenges
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte acknowledged Trump's frustrations but downplayed immediate risks, noting the alliance had "heard" the concerns. However, broader geopolitical strains persist, including economic fallout from the US-Israel conflict with Iran and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine further complicates Europe's security calculus. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged allies to sustain pressure on Moscow, arguing that Putin's military struggles signal weakness. "This summer will be decisive," Zelensky said. "We must push him toward diplomacy."
UK seeks closer EU ties amid financial negotiations
Starmer signaled a shift in London's approach, openly pursuing deeper cooperation with the EU. The UK is negotiating to join a €90 billion ($97 billion) EU-led loan program to support Ukraine, a move Starmer framed as beneficial for both Kyiv and British jobs.
However, reports suggest Brussels is demanding an annual £1 billion ($1.3 billion) payment from the UK to reset relations-a condition Starmer declined to confirm. Analysts noted that access to the single market often requires financial concessions, a reality Europe may face in its broader push for "strategic autonomy."
Long road to European defense independence
Despite the urgency, experts warn that achieving military self-sufficiency could take decades. The EPC's informal format-held at a Yerevan sports complex-aimed to foster candid discussions on energy security, democratic resilience, and Ukraine support, while also signaling Armenia's westward ambitions.
For now, Europe's goal appears twofold: develop capabilities that satisfy Washington's expectations or, at minimum, secure enough US goodwill to address pressing threats.
