Europe cannot continue to rely on the US

MEPs have said the continent cannot continue to rely entirely on the United States for its security; and called for strengthening Europe's defense capabilities while continuing to support Ukraine.

In a joint statement on Tuesday, the main groups in the European Parliament—including the European People's Party, Socialists and Democrats, the Renew Europe group, and the Greens—insisted that Europe must take a greater role in its security and the protection of Ukraine's sovereignty.

The statement marks a major shift in Europe's strategic outlook, expressing concern about the United States' reliance on international security issues and strengthening efforts to strengthen Europe's independence in defense and deter attacks against it.

Experts say the European Union is seriously pursuing an end to defense dependence, at a time when it is witnessing a shift in foreign policy priorities of the new US administration.

This is in a situation where Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni recently said that the European Union should not take a position that would conflict with US policy on Ukraine. 

Leaders of several European countries met in Paris recently amid concerns fueled by US President Donald Trump's move to reach out and initiate direct talks with Russia and his government's intention to exclude the EU from the Ukraine peace talks.