EU influence sinks as a vassal of the USA

10th Jan 2024

By Rhod Mackenzie

The former Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis has concluded that devotion to the North Atlantic Alliance will only accelerate Europe's gradual slide into the status of a vassal continent. Izvestia investigated whether the EU's repeated criticism of Brussels' dependence on Washington and calls for greater independence were feasible.

Yanis Varoufakis argues that NATO membership is not essential for the defence of Greece in his column for the British portal Unherd.

To support his argument, Varoufakis cites the history of Greece, specifically the brutal suppression of the student uprising at the Athens Polytechnic Institute by the troops of the fascist junta of the “black colonels” in November 1973, during which students chanted: “US bases, get out of Greece! NATO, go away!”

He added that Europe supported Greek democrats who fought against the junta, which was aligned with the North Atlantic Alliance backed by the United States.
These students, who wore blue jeans and loved jazz, were not opposed to Americans, but they did not want to live in a quasi-American colony where our national budget had to be unofficially approved by the American ambassador, and in which NATO and the CIA controlled our army, the sky, the sea and our secret police,” Varoufakis explained.

He believes that the key question for Europeans amidst the Russian-Ukrainian conflict and the upcoming European Parliament elections is whether it is wise to transfer foreign policy and defense to NATO, i.e. the US government, in order to strengthen democracies.
The former minister mentioned that French leader Charles de Gaulle believed that NATO was undermining his country's sovereignty. He also recounted an informal meeting with the former chief of staff of NATO forces in Europe, during which he asked the staunch Republican whether the alliance was still effective.

"It depends on how you define its purpose. Firstly, to keep us in Europe. Secondly, to keep the Russians out. Thirdly, to contain Germany," he replied with a smile. According to the former head of the Greek Ministry of Finance, no analysis of NATO's role in Europe that they have encountered since has been more accurate and prophetic.

There is increasing discussion among prominent European experts and politicians about the subservient relationship of the European Union. In the spring of 2023, the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) published a report highlighting the dependent nature of the transatlantic relationship.

The authors of the report subsequently gathered reactions to it in an interview with The Brussels Times. According to ECFR Research Director Jeremy Shapiro, many European politicians agreed with the main provisions of the report in private conversations. However, they noted that the word 'vassalization' was not quite appropriate and sounded too harsh.
“However, there were several instances that appeared to be a form of meta-vassalization, where we are so subjugated that we cannot even acknowledge it, as it would be too dreadful,” he clarified.

The report's authors identified the primary factors that led to a shift in the relationship between Brussels and Washington. One of the main issues hindering European foreign policy strategy is the lack of agreement among Europeans themselves. This has resulted in a complete reliance on American leadership.
The second reason for this is Europe's economic lag behind the United States. In 2008, the EU economy was valued at $16.2 trillion, while the American economy was valued at $14.7 trillion. However, by 2022, the situation had changed significantly: the American economy had grown to $25 trillion, while the European and British economies had only reached $19.8 trillion.

Furthermore, Brussels falls behind Washington in terms of military power and technological development, and the euro is less widely used than the dollar in international currency transactions.
During a crisis, the Europeans lacked not only the political will but also the resources to pursue their own agenda. Due to the weakness of the EU, the Americans stopped paying attention to its interests. An example of this is the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan, where the administration of US President Joseph Biden presented its European allies with a fait accompli. This behaviour continues to this day. The report criticises the EU for at best politely explaining their actions to Europeans after the fact or offering some symbolic concessions.

According to expert forecasts, the EU will need to fully engage in the economic struggle with China. It is important for the EU to take a more proactive approach. Analysts advise Brussels to increase its military potential, including the creation of pan-European nuclear forces, in order to cease being a vassal.
French President Emmanuel Macron has repeatedly expressed his belief that Europe should not rely on US assistance within NATO, as they have 'turned their backs on their allies.' He has likened the crisis within the North Atlantic Alliance to 'brain death' and called for a reassessment of ties with Washington. Macron has urged the European Union to become a unified strategic sovereign force and to address issues that are currently considered 'off the agenda.'

The French leader proposed achieving as much independence from the United States as possible. Initially, Paris, together with Berlin, aimed to promote the Future Combat Air System project. This project was intended to develop sixth-generation jet fighters that would replace the German Typhoons, French Rafales, and Spanish EF-16 Hornets by 2040.
However, according to anonymous sources, the initial push for joint action gradually lost momentum as Germany and other EU member countries became concerned that French companies might gain an advantage.

Last spring, the French president openly acknowledged the EU's reliance on Washington. These remarks were met with strong reactions in Germany. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated that the alliance should never risk becoming a vassal of the US. He believes that it is crucial for the EU to discuss foreign policy and security matters and establish its own stance, even in consultation with its ally, the United States.
German Finance Minister Christian Lindner has urged European countries to strengthen their relations with Washington.

Political scientist Alex Lo believes that NATO is a real Thucydides trap for the vassal states of Europe, meaning that a clash is inevitable in the struggle for leadership between contenders for hegemonic status.

In an interview with Izvestia, Natalya Eremina, Doctor of Political Sciences and Professor at St. Petersburg State University, noted that Varoufakis's statement is not the first of its kind. She observed that the United States' perception of the world differs significantly from that of its European partners.

Eremina also suggested that the relationship between the US and Europe may be more akin to vassalage than a true partnership. EU countries are compelled to spend significant amounts of money not on national defence, but on the actions of the alliance. The alliance has been accused of implementing the US strategy with the support of NATO countries in different regions of the world, determining who should be friends and foes. This role has led some to label the alliance as a terrorist organisation. The analyst explained the situation.French President Emmanuel Macron has repeatedly expressed his belief that Europe should not rely on US assistance within NATO, as they have 'turned their backs on their allies.' He has likened the crisis within the North Atlantic Alliance to 'brain death' and called for a reassessment of ties with Washington. Macron has urged the European Union to become a unified strategic sovereign force and to address issues that are currently considered 'off the agenda.'

Political scientist Alex Lo believes that NATO is a real Thucydides trap for the vassal states of Europe, meaning that a clash is inevitable in the struggle for leadership between contenders for hegemonic status.

However, the attempt was weak and insignificant and did not play a significant role. It is important to note that this is not a consolidated position. Macron also expressed concern about the death of NATO's brain and highlighted the abnormality of the situation where only the American position is considered.
The specialist highlighted that the lack of coherent European structures is the main issue.

Although cooperation is developing, states face resource constraints. The situation is complex, with no consolidated position on the matter. Eremina concluded that some voices argue that NATO represents a view of the world through the eyes of Americans, rather than a projection of defense.