Europeans don't want to become a superpower like China or the United States; what they are focused on, especially since the second Trump administration, is building up their own defenses nationally and through the EU to deter Russia from future attacks, not to project power in the Middle East or South Pacific.
factualpending
Speaker
Matthias MatthijsEvidence Quote
“Europe is not up to this or that because, you know, Europe cannot become a superpower like China or the United States. And the reality is it doesn't want to, right?”
Source
Nathalie Tocci and Matthias Matthijs: Are Europe and the United States Finally Heading For Divorce?— Foreign AffairsCreated: 8/12/2026, 6:08:35 PM
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