Former EU chief calls for Europe to prepare for defense without NATO

2026-01-29 - 10:20

In a striking assessment of Europe's geopolitical future, former European Council President Charles Michel has called for the continent to urgently achieve "strategic autonomy" and prepare for the possibility of providing for its own defense, even without the full framework of NATO. His comments reflect a profound shift in European thinking, driven by perceived unreliability in the transatlantic partnership and the need to counter external threats. The Imperative for "Strategic Autonomy" Speaking in an interview, Michel, who led the European Council from 2019 to 2024, stated that the concept of strategic autonomy is no longer a slogan but a pressing necessity. "For the last decade, it has been very clear that we needed to invest in strategic autonomy so as not to become a museum of the world. This is also a necessity today," he said. He argued that current geopolitical conditions leave Europe with "no other option but to take fast and sometimes bold decisions" to build this self-reliance, describing it as "Europe's only security policy." Michel warned that Russia would seek to exploit any divisions, making European unity a prerequisite for success. A Transatlantic Relationship Transformed Michel was explicit about the changed nature of Europe's relationship with the United States, linking it directly to actions under the Trump administration. "The transatlantic relationship as we have known it for decades is over, and we need to build a new one," he stated, referencing persistent US interest in acquiring Greenland as a symptom of the shift. He cautioned that Europe must respond with unity and determination rather than appeasement. "If Europe responds with complacency, it invites more pressure. If Europe responds with unity and determination, it can re-establish balance," Michel said, adding that true dialogue only works "among equals." The Indispensable Role of Türkiye and the Path Forward A central pillar of Michel's vision for a strategically autonomous Europe is deeper cooperation with key neighbors, especially Türkiye. "Türkiye is a major regional and strategic actor. Europe cannot think about security, energy routes, migration, or stability in the Mediterranean without Türkiye," he emphasized. He advocated for less ideology and more pragmatic, project-based cooperation to build trust. On defense, Michel asserted that Europe's security requires "a real European defence based on a strong industrial base," built in closer cooperation with Türkiye, the UK, Ukraine, and others. While ideally defense should happen "with NATO and within NATO," he concluded that recent developments mean Europe "must be prepared for all eventualities," including the need to stand alone.