The European People’s Party (EPP) leader Manfred Weber has issued an urgent call for a stronger, independent European defense policy in response to a dramatic fallout between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The escalating tensions, which unfolded during a tense Oval Office meeting last Friday, have sent shockwaves through European capitals, raising serious questions about the reliability of U.S. security commitments to Europe.
“Anyone looking at Washington must understand: Europe is on its own, and we must now arm ourselves independently,” Weber told the German media group Funke on Sunday. “We also need to take the first steps toward a European army. Too much time has already been wasted.”
Weber’s comments reflect growing anxieties within the European Union about America’s shifting geopolitical priorities and the potential weakening of NATO’s strategic posture on the continent.
The White House meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy, initially intended to reinforce U.S.-Ukraine ties, quickly deteriorated into a heated exchange, exposing deep divisions over Ukraine’s war strategy. According to sources familiar with the meeting, Trump accused Zelenskyy of “gambling with World War III” by refusing to engage in peace talks with Russia, a stance that Trump has repeatedly advocated since returning to the presidency.
Zelenskyy, in turn, maintained that Ukraine could not negotiate with Russia without solid security guarantees, arguing that any premature talks could lead to further territorial losses. The disagreement escalated to the point where Trump abruptly ended the meeting, instructing Zelenskyy to leave the White House. The anticipated signing of a major minerals deal—aimed at securing Ukrainian rare earth resources for U.S. industries—was scrapped on the spot.
The public nature of the falling-out has raised fears that Washington is stepping back from its commitment to Ukraine, prompting European leaders to reevaluate their own security policies.
Following the Oval Office debacle, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy made a swift diplomatic pivot, traveling to London for urgent discussions with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Their meeting resulted in a €2.7 billion UK loan to Ukraine for defense purposes—an indication that at least some European nations remain committed to supporting Kyiv.
Weber, one of Europe’s most influential center-right politicians, has seized on the moment to argue that the EU must take responsibility for its own security, criticizing the bloc’s dependence on American military assistance.
“If the U.S. is no longer a reliable partner, why are we still buying our weapons from them?” Weber asked. His remarks underscore a broader frustration among European officials who fear that Trump’s “America First” policies could lead to an abrupt shift in U.S. military priorities.
The idea of a European army—long debated but never fully realized—has gained renewed urgency in the wake of the Trump-Zelenskyy crisis. Weber’s call for immediate steps toward such a force signals a potential turning point in EU defense policy.
Supporters of a unified European defense force argue that the continent can no longer afford to rely on NATO as the sole guarantor of its security. While NATO remains a cornerstone of European defense, doubts about U.S. commitment have been mounting since Trump’s first term, when he repeatedly threatened to reduce American military support for NATO allies unless they significantly increased their defense spending.
French President Emmanuel Macron, a vocal advocate of European strategic autonomy, echoed Weber’s sentiments, stating that “Europe must be able to defend itself on its own terms.” Macron has long pushed for a more integrated European defense framework, and the latest crisis may provide the political momentum needed to advance such initiatives.
However, not all European leaders are on board with the idea. Some, particularly in Eastern Europe, remain deeply skeptical about replacing NATO’s protection with an EU-led military force. Polish President Andrzej Duda warned that any move away from NATO could leave Europe vulnerable to Russian aggression, arguing that “the transatlantic alliance remains the strongest deterrent against Putin.”
While Weber’s call for an independent European defense policy has gained traction, significant obstacles remain.
- Political Divisions: The EU’s 27 member states have differing security priorities, making consensus on defense policy difficult to achieve. While France and Germany may push for deeper military integration, smaller states may resist surrendering sovereignty over defense matters.
- Funding and Industrial Capacity: The European defense industry, though advanced, is fragmented across multiple national defense contractors. Building a unified military force would require massive investment, restructuring, and coordination across borders.
- Legal and Institutional Barriers: The EU’s treaties currently do not provide for a full-fledged European army, meaning any move in that direction would require treaty amendments or new legal frameworks.
- U.S. Pressure: Washington has traditionally opposed any move that could weaken NATO, viewing European defense autonomy as a potential threat to transatlantic unity. If Trump perceives Europe’s defense ambitions as an attempt to sideline the U.S., tensions could rise further.
The next major test for Europe’s defense ambitions will come at the upcoming EU summit, where leaders are expected to discuss security strategy in light of recent developments.
Weber has urged EU leaders to take decisive steps at the summit, pushing for increased defense spending, joint military procurement, and greater cooperation on intelligence and cyber warfare.
There is also speculation that the European Commission may propose a new Defense Investment Plan aimed at boosting the EU’s military-industrial base. This would likely include incentives for joint weapons development projects and the establishment of a European defense fund to finance long-term security initiatives.
At the same time, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has called for an emergency meeting to discuss the implications of the Trump-Zelenskyy clash, hoping to reassure European allies that the alliance remains strong despite Washington’s shifting rhetoric.
Whether Weber’s vision of a European army gains traction remains to be seen, but the Trump-Zelenskyy confrontation has undoubtedly accelerated the conversation about Europe’s strategic autonomy.
For years, EU leaders have debated the need for greater independence in security matters, but crises have often been met with temporary adjustments rather than structural reforms. This time, however, the stakes feel higher. If Trump continues to distance himself from Ukraine and NATO, Europe may have no choice but to forge a new defense path—one that does not rely on Washington’s goodwill.
As the EU prepares for a crucial summit, the question remains: Will Europe finally take control of its own security, or will internal divisions prevent meaningful action? The answer could shape the continent’s defense landscape for decades to come.
