Professor Jeffrey Sachs said to the European Parliament that maintaining a close friendship with the United States can be fatal.
This warning suggests a growing tension between traditional transatlantic alliances and the desire for European strategic autonomy. If European nations shift their diplomatic approach, it could fundamentally alter the geopolitical landscape of the West.
Sachs said these remarks on Feb. 19, 2025 [1], during an event titled "The Geopolitics of Peace." Speaking before the parliament, he said European leaders should develop a foreign policy grounded in reality and independent of U.S. influence [1].
The professor said that Europe must move away from a reliance on Washington to secure its own interests. He said that the current trajectory of alignment with the U.S. poses a risk to the continent's long-term security [1].
Throughout the address, Sachs said that an independent path is necessary to avoid being drawn into conflicts that do not serve European priorities. He said a diplomatic strategy should prioritize stability over the strategic goals of the U.S. [1].
This critique comes amid ongoing debates regarding the role of the European Union in global conflicts, and its dependency on American military and political support. Sachs said his argument is a necessity for survival in a shifting global order [1].
“being a friend to the United States can be "fatal"”
The call for European strategic autonomy reflects a broader intellectual movement questioning the sustainability of the post-WWII security architecture. By suggesting that U.S. alignment is dangerous, Sachs highlights a perceived disconnect between American global interests and the regional stability of Europe, signaling a potential shift toward a multipolar diplomatic approach.
