Trump wants Europe to invest more on defense. He's correct

[UNITED STATES] For years, I have consistently called on the European Union and its member states to take greater responsibility for their defence. When Russian President Vladimir Putin launched his full-scale invasion of Ukraine, I repeatedly raised the question—then as a Member of the European Parliament—what further evidence did we need to grasp the scale of the threats confronting all of Europe? How would we respond if our security were endangered while our closest ally, the United States, was preoccupied elsewhere?

The war in Ukraine has only intensified the urgency of this question. Despite steadfast support from both the EU and the US, the ongoing conflict has exposed a critical gap: Europe must significantly strengthen its own defence capabilities. As the war drags on, the toll on resources and the wider geopolitical ramifications are becoming increasingly clear. The message is unavoidable—Europe must be prepared to shoulder a larger share of its own security burden.

Today, that very scenario is no longer hypothetical. US officials are now openly signalling that European affairs will not command the lion’s share of American time or resources. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently remarked that the United States has "other priorities to focus on."

This shift is not without justification. The US faces a complex array of global challenges, many of which demand immediate attention. Yet, it also presents a crucial opening for the European Union to affirm its dedication to collective defence. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's recent proposal to allocate €150 billion for defence via a new loan scheme marks a major step forward. This plan aims not only to address pressing military needs but also to send a clear signal about Europe's determination to defend its interests.

I fully support this direction. As a global superpower, the United States carries extensive international responsibilities, and the list of global flashpoints continues to grow. From instability in the Western hemisphere and heightened tensions in the Middle East, to the delicate and strategic recalibration of US-China relations, Washington can no longer afford to engage in more than one major conflict simultaneously.

The Middle East remains particularly volatile. Ongoing violence and humanitarian crises underscore the region’s complexity. A recent joint US-EU statement condemning Hamas and reaffirming Israel’s right to self-defence reflects this dynamic. Yet, a long-term solution depends on progress toward a two-state outcome and on preventing broader regional escalation.

Meanwhile, the persistent tensions between India and Pakistan continue to pose a major threat to international stability. Both nations possess nuclear weapons and share a fraught history. Any flare-up between them could have devastating global consequences. It is imperative that the international community stays alert and engaged to avert any descent into open conflict.

Against this backdrop, the European Union’s role is more vital than ever. Strengthening defence capabilities will not only secure Europe’s future but also bolster global stability. The transatlantic alliance, reaffirmed through recent joint declarations, remains a pillar of shared values and democratic resolve. Deepening this partnership through greater European defence investment is essential to addressing the complex security challenges of our time.