Luuk van Middelaar’s editorial on finding Europe’s historical footing
@luukvmiddelaar.bsky.social
big-europe.eu/publications...

Lots to grapple with for Europe’s 27 leaders gathering in Brussels today.

big-europe.eu/publications...

3⃣ Europe–US relationship based on ‘forgiveness’ for promises unkept, as she explains, cannot be a healthy one. President Trump wants 5% GDP for defence and seems in no mood to grant a pardon.

2⃣Today European leaders are discussing using the EU budget for defence. But national budgets vastly overshadow that of the EU: clearly governments will need to do the heavy lifting themselves.

1⃣ Currently, Europeans do not have guaranteed access to a command centre fit for purpose if the US vetoes the use of NATO’s SHAPE. More clarity is needed.