Zed ⚡

🇪🇺🇺🇸 Washington spent DECADES begging Europe to pay for its own defense. Now it might get exactly what it asked for, and it may not like it. Europe is FINALLY spending. EU countries spent around $461 billion on their militaries last year, more than China ($336 billion) or Russia ($190 billion). They've also agreed to build up their own defense industries and cut their dependence on U.S. weapons. But for Washington, there’s a downside: an ally that can defend itself doesn’t have to say YES as often. And we've already had a preview. The U.S. and Israel attacked Iran without consulting or even warning Europe, and Europe largely stayed out of the war. Britain briefly refused U.S. aircraft access to a base, and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas flatly said, "This is not the European Union's war." Europe then started putting together a 40-member coalition to secure the Strait of Hormuz, WITHOUT Washington. And Washington noticed. A Pentagon questionnaire reportedly asked allies whether they publicly back U.S. Middle East policy and whether they restricted base access during the war. Hegseth even warned of consequences for those who did. And it doesn't stop at Iran. When Trump threatened tariffs over Greenland, Europe threatened massive retaliation, and he backed down. Europe is also toughening up on China just as Washington tries to ease tensions with Beijing. So here's the BIG question: does a stronger Europe mean a stronger NATO, or an ally that negotiates instead of nodding along? Washington wanted Europe to pay its own way, but it may not have priced in Europe wanting a say too. Sources: Foreign Affairs, International Crisis Group, ECFR, Defence Horizon Journal / Writer: Julie