- Radosław Sikorski emphasizes that present trust in the dominant function of the US is no longer as strong as 30 years ago
- He highlighted the function of words spoken by Donald Trump in 2017, after which European states began spending much more money for military purposes
- According to the Head of the Ministry of abroad Affairs, the perfect script for European countries assumes simultaneously strengthening its own defence forces while maintaining strong transatlantic relations
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The current geopolitical challenges prompt Europe to reflect on its own defence independence. Sikorski notes that the changing planet power strategy requires the European Union to be more active in building its own military potential.
In the mid-1990s, the United States enjoyed the undisputed position of a global superpower. In crisis situations, another nations hoped for American leadership and solutions. However, 3 decades later, trust in the dominant function of the US is no longer so strong.
Trump's key words
Sikorski recalls that in 2017, president Donald Trump spoke about the strength of ties between the United States and Europe during his visit to Warsaw. At the same time, he pointed out the request for Europe to invest in its own safety by asking about the will to last the West.
According to the Polish minister, Trump's words led European leaders to increase defence spending. While at the beginning of Trump's term, only 5 NATO states spent 2% of their GDP on military purposes, This threshold has already reached 23 of the 32 members of the alliance last year.
Poland stands out from another countries, investing about 5% of GDP in defencewhich is the highest percent in NATO. The country became 1 of the key buyers of American military equipment, ordering Patriot rocket systems, Abrams tanks, Apache helicopters, and F-35 fighter jets for billions of dollars since 2022.
Sikorski emphasises that Europe's greater independency in safety matters does not preclude close cooperation with the United States. In an perfect scenario, the European continent can simultaneously strengthen its own defence forces and keep strong transatlantic relations.
Faced with threats from authoritarian states specified as Russia, Iran, North Korea and China, Europe and America must act together. Sikorski notes that Western opponents number on divisions and the deficiency of unity between allies, so cooperation is necessary.
Defence at the heart of the Polish Presidency
Since Russia's aggression against Ukraine, the European Union has importantly increased support for Kiev by providing financial, military and humanitarian assistance worth over $140 billion. In addition, a further 54 billion dollars is planned for reconstruction and modernization of Ukraine by 2027.
European leaders realise that the safety of the continent depends on their own actions. Sikorski points out that the EU is ready to engage more, as evidenced by joint investments in military equipment and a firm stance on current challenges.
Poland, taking over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from 1 January 2025, puts safety at the forefront of its priorities. The Minister stresses that erstwhile the conflict in Ukraine is close to the EU borders, it is essential to increase resilience and to strengthen cooperation both within the Union and NATO.
Sikorski notes that although the mark of spending 5% of GDP on defence is ambitious, current threats require decisive action. It stresses that ambition in this area is what Europe and the United States request most now.
The Transatlantic Alliance, as the Minister recalls, has always been based on common support. The only time that Article 5 of NATO was invoked was after the 9/11 attacks.When European allies came to aid America, they sent troops to Afghanistan and Iraq.
In the face of common challenges, Sikorski calls for partnership and strength to proceed to work together to face threats and to keep peace. It stresses that unity and joint action are key to safety in an unstable world.
