European leaders presented a united front in favor of increasing defense budgets and strengthening the NATO alliance during the proceedings of the NATO Conference.
Security in Munich. However, messages for greater strategic autonomy for Europe and indirect criticism of the United States signal a new phase in transatlantic relations.
According to Politico, Europe is responding to American expectations by significantly increasing defense spending, while at the same time trying to reduce dependence on North America. However, it remains unclear whether this development will satisfy President Donald Trump, who has been exerting constant pressure on European allies to contribute more to collective defense.
During the conference, European leaders stressed the need to restructure the transatlantic alliance, giving Europe a more independent role in key areas such as defense, space and technology. Their message was clear: the continent must strengthen its own capabilities to reduce dependence on external powers.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz underlined the importance of NATO for both Europe and the US, stating that "being part of NATO is an advantage for Europe, but also for the United States. Let us restore and revive transatlantic trust together."
For his part, French President Emmanuel Macron stressed the necessity of accelerating European strategic autonomy. He argued that Europe must develop full capabilities in technology and defense to be less dependent on third parties, including the United States.
"Everything that concerns Europeans must be decided by Europeans," Macron said, adding that the continent must strengthen its negotiating position in a new global order.
On the other hand, US officials have welcomed the increase in European spending as Washington reorients its strategy towards the Asia-Pacific region. US Undersecretary of Defence Elbridge Colby described Germany's change in defence policy as "historic and major".
