Europe must not become US vassal, experts say

ZAGREB — Europe must be independent in terms of its foreign policy and security and must, by no means, become a vassal of the United States, Croatian experts said on Monday.

"Europe must be independent because that is the only way that it will survive. Though an ally of the United States, Europe must by no means become a US vassal under the terms dictated by Washington," said Drago Poldrugac, a Croatian political analyst.

Poldrugac applauded French President Emmanuel Macron's push for "strategic autonomy" from the US, noting that "like many of his predecessors, Macron stands for the concept of strategic autonomy of Europe".

Europe must cooperate with other countries, above all with China, and the African and Arab countries, where Europe can market its products, he said.

"Dependence on the United States does not contribute to the economic development of European countries," the expert said, noting that the US has gained, at the cost of Europe, from the harsh sanctions imposed on Russia for the Russia-Ukraine conflict, as they have led to an energy crisis and high inflation across Europe.

Echoing Poldrugac, Croatian political analyst Davor Gjenero pointed out that Europe must have its independent policy from the US as this is the only way to secure Europe's long-term interests.

Strategic autonomy

Europe's strategic autonomy, as pushed for by the French president, is a realistic goal and it is something that Europe has aimed to realize for a long time, Gjenero said, adding that Europe must work on its foreign policy identity and security identity and speak with one voice.

The comments from the two political analysts come as European Council President Charles Michel has said that more and more European Union leaders supported Macron's push for "strategic autonomy".

"On the issue of the relationship with the United States, it's clear that there can be nuances and sensitivities around the table of the European Council," the European Council president told US-based news website Politico last week.

Xinhua