Proposal for real strategic sovereignity in view of the transatlantic breakup

This Appeal - published in several newpapers as opinion article - is based on the letter addressed to the EU Council, President Antonio Costa, by the Action Committee for the United States of Europe, 21 January 2026. Press Release | Borrell, Menasse and Verhofstadt, along with other 40 European figures, call for real strategic sovereignty in view of the transatlantic breakup - Union of European Federalists 

The last year has seen a fundamental change in transatlantic relations. What were once trade disputes or diplomatic differences have, under the current US administration, turned into a systematic policy of coercion against Europe, in constant violation of international law. The campaign to annex Greenland, which has failed for now, is just the latest episode in Trump's desire for domination: let us not forget the unilateral imposition of arbitrary tariffs in April 2025, or his closeness to Putin and the end of military aid to Ukraine, his National Security Strategy, in which he characterises the EU as a problem, or the sanctions against former Commissioner Breton. It is clear that the security model based on external dependence on the US has run its course and that the appeasement strategy pursued until now has ended in resounding failure.

A change of course is urgently needed to guarantee European sovereignty and independence, with both short-term and structural measures, in the face of Putin and Trump's neo-imperialist drift.
The European Union must not implement the July 2025 agreement on non-reciprocal US tariffs of 15% on EU products. On the contrary, the €93 billion countermeasures prepared in response to the escalation of April 2025 must be implemented, and the Anti-Coercion Instrument must be activated immediately to counter these discriminatory measures and protect our freedom of political decision-making from external pressure.
The security of Greenland is a European responsibility. The current deployment of troops from several European states should be placed under EU command to ensure that our territory is not subject to illegal annexation campaigns or foreign real estate transactions, with the agreement of Denmark and Greenland.

We must also accept that Ukraine's survival and our own security depend on Europe. This requires accelerating massive investments to quickly equip ourselves with strategic assets hitherto considered ‘essential’ that Washington could withdraw or restrict — specifically in satellite capabilities, intelligence flows, strategic air transport and high-level electronic warfare. This also includes ensuring our digital sovereignty in electronic means of payment (through the digital euro), social media, and artificial intelligence.

At the same time, the time has come to accept that Europe cannot entrust its security and territorial defence to Trump. We urge the activation of the Common Defence provisions of the Lisbon Treaty under Article 42.2 of the Treaty on European Union and to operationalise the mutual assistance clause and create a European chain of command. If there is no unanimity, this should be done as permanent structured cooperation or through an ad hoc treaty. It is precisely the veto rule in the Council on foreign and security policy that constitutes a strategic vulnerability.

We must immediately activate the majority vote provided for in the Treaty (passerelle clause) and initiate the process of reforming the Treaties based on the Parliament's 2023 proposal, with the full participation of an interparliamentary assembly, civil society and citizens through innovative deliberative mechanisms.

Only a federal union with an empowered Parliament controlling a strong Executive can guarantee our sovereignty and our way of life. Trump should be, above all, an opportunity for Europe to achieve political unity.

When it comes to security, Europe can no longer remain a fragmented protectorate; it must become a sovereign power.