EU’s ‘Independence Moment’ Masks Dependence and Rising Risks for America

In a forceful State of the Union address to the European Parliament, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen framed Europe as locked in a desperate struggle against Russia’s unrelenting aggression, growing trade tensions, and hostility from major global powers. Her call for a European “independence moment” rings hollow when viewed through the lens of America First principles — raising critical questions about how effectively Europe can secure its own freedom while preserving transatlantic cooperation that safeguards U.S. sovereignty. Is Europe Ready to Stand Alone Against Russia and Global Power Plays? Von der Leyen’s speech painted a picture of an...