Key Takeaways:
– European leaders are meeting in Paris to discuss Ukraine and security, but their talk won’t change much.
– Real decisions about Ukraine’s future are happening in Saudi Arabia, without Europe.
– Europe’s weak defense spending and lack of unity leave it sidelined in global security.
– Europe relies too much on the U.S. for protection, making it unable to act independently.
– Without major changes, Europe will remain a spectator in global affairs.
Paris Summit: All Talk, No Action
Today, European leaders are gathering in Paris for an emergency summit. They’ll talk about Ukraine and security in Europe. But don’t be fooled. This meeting is more like a show than a real attempt to make decisions. The real talks about Ukraine’s future are happening far from Paris—in Saudi Arabia. There, the U.S. and Russia are negotiating behind closed doors. Europe isn’t even at the table.
Why? Because Europe has neglected its own defense for decades. It has relied on the U.S. for protection and thought it could influence the world with just words and money. But when Russia invaded Ukraine, Europe was caught off guard. Now, it’s scrambling to keep up.
Europe’s Weak Defense
European countries spend very little on defense. In 2022, the EU spent just 1.3% of its GDP on defense. Some countries, like Ireland, spent as little as 0.2%. Meanwhile, Russia has increased its defense spending by over 40% in 2024. Its military budget now surpasses the combined spending of all European nations. China is also spending more on its military, becoming a global power. Europe, on the other hand, is far behind.
This explains why the U.S. and Russia are making deals without Europe. They know Europe can’t back up its words with action. Europe’s military is weak, and its leaders are divided. Even if they were invited to Saudi Arabia, they’d have little to offer.
Europe’s Reliance on the U.S.
Europe’s weakness is clear in its reliance on the U.S. European countries have sent weapons to Ukraine, but their stockpiles are running low. They’ve asked the U.S. for more weapons to replace what they’ve sent. Without American help, Europe couldn’t sustain its support for Ukraine. If the U.S. decides to focus on other issues, like Taiwan, Europe would be left defenseless.
This dependency is dangerous. It makes Europe a mere spectator in global affairs. The Paris summit is just the latest example of this reality. Even among themselves, European leaders can’t agree. Some, like Italy’s Giorgia Meloni, are frustrated because not all EU countries were invited to the talks. This division shows how unprepared Europe is to lead.
No Seat at the Table
Even if European leaders were invited to Saudi Arabia, they wouldn’t have much to offer. They lack a unified strategy, credible military strength, and real leverage. Some leaders, like France’s Emmanuel Macron, suggest sending Western troops to Ukraine. Others, like Germany’s Olaf Scholz, are hesitant to send more weapons, fearing things might escalate. This confusion makes Europe look weak and unreliable.
A Wake-Up Call for Europe
The fact that Europe isn’t part of the real negotiations should be a wake-up call. But change seems unlikely. European leaders are still stuck in the past, believing they can shape the world with words and money. They fail to see that power still matters. Military strength determines security, not speeches or moral declarations.
The Path Forward
To regain its place in global security, Europe must change its approach. It needs to stop pretending it can lead with empty words. Instead, it must invest in real military power. This means spending more on defense, working together as a united force, and being willing to act without waiting for the U.S. to lead.
Some European countries are starting to understand this. Poland is building up its military, and the Baltic states are strengthening their defenses. But these efforts are not enough. Most of Europe is still unwilling to make the sacrifices needed for real security.
Conclusion: Europe’s Reality Check
The Paris summit will end with grand statements about unity and support for Ukraine. Leaders will pose for photos and promise action. But the truth is clear: Europe is no longer a major player in global security. The real decisions are being made elsewhere, and Europe is just watching.
If Europe wants to matter again, it must change. It needs to build real military strength, stop relying on the U.S., and act with unity. Until then, summits like the one in Paris will remain just a sideshow. Europe must wake up and take responsibility for its own security. Otherwise, it will continue to be left behind.