Sikorski recalled watching the film Independence Day as a reminder of a time when the United States was seen as the world’s unquestioned leader, a role now in doubt. “In a moment of crisis, other nations once expected America to come up with a solution,” he wrote, noting that decades later, allies have grown skeptical of American leadership. He cited remarks by US President Donald Trump, who urged NATO members to raise their defense spending from 2 percent of GDP to an ambitious 5 percent.
The minister stressed that Europe’s security can no longer be viewed as a service provided by Washington, but he maintained that European independence is not incompatible with close cooperation with the United States. Since Russia’s war against Ukraine began in February 2022, the European Union and its member states have provided more than USD 140 billion in various forms of assistance to Kyiv, and an additional commitment of up to USD 54 billion to support Ukraine’s recovery and modernization has been agreed until 2027.
Poland, which now holds the presidency of the Council of the European Union, has made security its top priority. Sikorski noted that Poland is already one of NATO’s most significant defense spenders, allocating nearly 5 percent of its GDP to defense—a figure that contrasts with the roughly 3.5 percent of GDP allocated by the United States. Over the past year, Poland has become a key customer of the U.S. military-industrial complex, acquiring Patriot missile systems, Abrams tanks, Apache helicopters, and F-35 fighter jets.
Sikorski argued that while some allies have grown weary of American power, the current global security environment, dominated by an “autocratic axis” of Russia, Iran, North Korea, and China, demands closer transatlantic ties.
“Our adversaries want nothing more than to see us fragmented and divided by economic disputes,” he warned, urging that only a united alliance can effectively counter these threats.
Looking ahead, Sikorski called for Europe to assume greater responsibility for its own security while continuing to work closely with the United States. “Let’s continue on the path of partnership, of peace through strength, as friends and allies,” he concluded.
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Source: New York Times