How to achieve European Strategic Autonomy?
Our continent is facing severe geopolitical headwinds. While the Russian threat is increasing, the United States is gradually distancing itself from Europe. This means that Europe must take responsibility for its own security. Although our current( Netherlands) government is taking useful measures, these do not go far enough on several fundamental aspects of European policy. This view is not driven by political ideology, but by factual developments that are relevant to both our country and Europe. In this article we propose four lines of action that could contribute to strategic autonomous Europe.
Our government appears to underestimate the extent to which the United States is becoming less interested in European security. This shift in priorities has been underway for years, but it is now having far-reaching consequences. The United States is withdrawing NATO-assigned assets from Europe and redeploying them to other parts of the world. This trend is unlikely to reverse, even if a Democratic president is elected in a few years' time.
If we want to keep the Netherlands and Europe safe, a clear and concrete plan is needed to compensate for the loss of American capabilities. Within NATO, the only solution to provide this compensation can be found in Europe itself, possibly together with Canada, .
Instead, the Dutch Ministry of Defence focuses almost exclusively on ad hoc partnerships, such as the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), and on NATO as a whole, as if the problem would somehow solve itself.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Defence pays little or no attention to what the European Union is already doing, or intends to do, in the area of defence through the institutions of the community. The emphasis remains largely on intergovernmental cooperation. For example, the European Commission is barely mentioned, if at all, in the 2026 White Paper on Defence and a recent letter to parliament.
It is therefore of utmost importance to not only strengthen the Netherlands defence, but also to connect it more closely to a strategically autonomous Europe. Only by acting together can we defend Europe in an increasingly dangerous world.
Europe could already take several important steps. The Netherlands government could advocate for these measures through the European Council in their upcoming session.
1. An Organised Security Dialogue
Such a forum could formulate common European responses to security challenges. These responses should then be practised without U.S. participation in order to establish credible deterrence in the event of a U.S. withdrawal.
One issue for discussion is the requirement for unanimity in decision-making. A core security council consisting of a few major countries, or qualified majority voting (QMV), may not be suitable for security matters. A veto mechanism that can be excersised only by a (small) group of member states together might be a more appropriate solution.
2. Joint Procurement of Strategic Capabilities
These assets are too expensive for individual European countries to develop and maintain independently. European nations should therefore jointly acquire and manage these capabilities under this model: Common owned, Common operated, and Common financed.
Although Eurobonds may not be suitable for strengthening national armed forces, this instrument could be used to finance such collective strategic capabilities.
3. Strengthening the Defence Industry
The EU can also help reduce the current scattering of industry and multitude of products for similar purposes by fostering strong technological clusters or "valleys." The Netherlands could prepare for this by supporting companies in selected technology sectors, such as maritime technology, drones, and artificial intelligence. Other European nations could do the same, but should select other technology areas. Of course, to thrive for exccellence some competition must remain. Our Union could coordinate establishing these clusters.
Centralised production in a small number of large companies poses a risk in a hybrid conflict or wartime. A single attack could halt all production. More dispersed production among smaller companies throughout Europe would reduce this vulnerability considerably. The European Council should recognise this risk and encourage member states to adopt distributed licensed production models.
4. A European Defence Planning Process
Within such a framework, the collective European interest could take precedence over the national self-interest that currently characterises much of European defence cooperation.
These four points are not an attack on NATO nor a call to sever ties with the United States. Rather, they are logical steps to address the consequences of America's change in strategic focus and gradual withdrawal from Europe.
Europe needs to become more self-reliant and stronger in order to defend itself where American protection diminishes. However, European member states cannot achieve this on their own and will need to cooperate even more closely. Not through multiple coalitions and temporary partnerships, but as a strong and reliable power bloc on the world stage. This requires new thinking, not only in technology and military tactics, but also in the way we position ourselves internationally.
The Netherlands has traditionally been a bridge-builder within Europe. Our government should therefore take the lead in convincing other member states to look beyond narrow national interests and genuinely create solutions together.
Eurodefense Nederland
9 October 2026
Translation from Dutch: Copilot AI
Illustration: Gemini AI
