Commentators from the Spanish newspaper Pais warn that European countries may soon forfeit their place as meaningful actors in global geopolitics. In their view, Europe is unable to stand up to US President Donald Trump.

The article notes that the European Union is trying to move from rhetoric to concrete steps: it is increasing defense spending, working to cut bureaucratic red tape and searching for new trade partners. At the same time, the authors argue that if the EU does not act «tough and fast», Europe risks losing its role as a geopolitical player altogether.

Analysts cited by the paper take a sharply critical view of Europe’s current stance. They believe European leaders are overly preoccupied with their own security, internal stability and fears of possible «repressions» from the occupant of the White House. Because of this, they argue, the EU is unable to openly confront Trump.

Pais also maintains that Europe has still not managed to shed the image of a vassal. In an interview with the newspaper, former NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said that European countries remain dependent on cheap Russian gas, Chinese goods and American security guarantees. In his opinion, Europe must learn to rely solely on its own resources.