The world built after World War II is falling apart, and the backbone of the new order will be the interests of nuclear superpowers, among which Europe is not, according to prominent European political thinkers.
And, as they conclude, the European Union will not survive unless it is unified in terms of security and budget, but also unless it expands to new members.
Former German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer thus suggests that Europe can step into "strategic independence", which some leading politicians want, not only if it creates its own defense, becomes technologically independent from the US and China, but also creates a core of EU members that are in favor of "European defense" and enlargement, and thus removes those who oppose it.
The former EU foreign policy chief and former head of the European Parliament, Josep Borrell, also believes that Europe must create a defense and budgetary structure and "move towards a federal union."
Because, otherwise, "it will not survive...the world today is ruled by populism, protectionism, wars, and we must be aware that the world has rejected the influence and attachment to the West."
Europeans have taken note with great care that America no longer wants to be not only a security protector, but also a close economic partner of Brussels.
This was particularly recognized in the statement of US Vice President J.D. Vance that "Europe is our ally, but it cannot be an eternal vassal."
Borrell also points out that the non-Western world "sees us Europeans as we are: a shrinking and aging population, that we have lost the initiative in the technological field, and the world is dominated by the technological US-Chinese competition, the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the divisive factor embodied in President (US) Donald Trump."
And, he is convinced, "Europe should face these challenges aware that our potential is that we are the best combination of political freedom, economic progress and social cohesion and harmony in the world."
At the same time, the French daily "Le Monde" in an extensive analysis of the "state of the world and Europe" concludes that "eighty years after the end of World War II, two Europes have faced each other, amidst chaos dominated by others."
"Le Monde" bitterly concludes that the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory in World War II "had the character of a requiem for the end of the international order resulting from the war victory - the emergence of two parts of a continent separated by one country, Ukraine, at war."
Former German Foreign Minister Fischer also warns that the divisions imposed on the world by the rule of US President Trump require Europe to become a self-sufficient world power "with supranational political will."
Fischer, moreover, points out that "the Trump government is not only questioning Europe's military security, but also doubts its power in world trade, on which the European economy rests."
He also underlines that the EU must free itself from technological dependence on non-European great powers, "as well as dependence on raw materials and rare metals."
More than 200 European companies, including the highly successful aircraft manufacturer Airbus, have just warned that Europe will become a "tech colony" if it does not start conquering its own high technology, especially artificial intelligence.
Their conclusion is that we must turn to the slogan "buy European", because eighty percent of numerical programs and services for professional needs in Europe are purchased from American companies, which is 265 billion euros annually.
Fischer, somewhat surprisingly, points out that Europe must overcome national differences and draw inspiration from the "legacy" of former French President Charles de Gaulle, and due to security, military and economic threats, "become de Gaullist, self-reliant... because there is no third time."
"Europe needs a strong ideological core, to stand united behind freedom, human rights, solidarity and the rule of law... and only then will the world believe that we are a true world power," says Fischer.
He also underlines the necessity of expanding the EU to neighboring countries, deepening European integration, and providing tangible support for reforms in countries on their way to EU membership.
And it states that "if some EU governments are hindering further deepening of European integration, those member states 'who are willing and able' should strengthen mutual cooperation."
And "the EU must also restore the damaged credibility of the European perspective of the candidate countries for membership," he points out.
Borrell concludes that "three fears reign in Europe today: war, the loss of its own industry and competitive ability, and a turn towards the far political right."
And, he notes, the far right is also very vocal and fear-mongering with fears of losing identity due to the uncontrolled influx of immigrants from other continents.
Bonus video:
