Rarely has history moved at such a breakneck pace. Since the election and inauguration of Donald Trump, one could be forgiven for thinking that events were already unfolding at a frantic speed, given the volume of disruptive announcements from the new American president and his administration. Indeed, the last newsletter editorial was titled “European moment,” pointing to the convergence of factors that could finally prompt Europeans to take their destiny into their own hands. This has always been the foundation upon which European integration is built—and this month, Europe has undeniably stepped up.

This month all began on 23 February, the day of Germany’s legislative elections. Although the conservative CDU/CSU bloc won as expected, the far-right party AfD came in second place, confirming worries—long foreshadowed by the polls—about Germany’s shifting political landscape. Even more telling, on the very evening of his party’s victory, the likely next German chancellor called for a massive investment in defense and infrastructure, along with easing budgetary constraints. Soon after, on March 4th, the CDU and the Social Democrats (SPD) reached a coalition agreement reflecting these priorities. By March 19th, the Bundestag had voted by a large majority to reform the so-called “budget brake.”

A second major turning point came during a heated Oval Office meeting in Washington on February 28th, where the Ukrainian president was sharply humiliated by the American vice-president under the seemingly amused gaze of Donald Trump. In Europe, support for Volodymyr Zelensky was swift and unanimous among all the countries that gathered in London just days later, at a summit convened by the British Prime Minister. This momentum led on March 4th to Ursula von der Leyen’s proposal for a “Rearm Europe plan”, approved by the Member States on March 6th. On March 19th, the Commission published a White Paper for European readiness 2030.

These initiatives have sparked lively debate throughout Europe—discussions that continue today. Few deny the historic nature of this break from the past, driven by two existential challenges facing the continent: to the west, America’s disengagement, and to the east, a Russia that openly threatens both Ukrainian sovereignty and European security. Opinions vary on whether Europe can mobilize the requisite financial resources, while others express concern about such a large-scale rearmament. The note Invest First in Europe, prepared by a team from AREL Single Market Lab (Rome), the Jacques Delors Centre (Berlin), the Jacques Delors Institute (Paris), and the IE Global Policy Center (Madrid), highlights the critical link between a unified savings-and-investment market and the ability to finance Europe’s security and prosperity.

There are also fears that prioritizing defense might undermine other ambitions, such as Europe’s climate goals or its social model. In a piece on our website titled The ‘rearmament’ of Europe and the planned obsolescence of its budgetary framework, Pierre Jaillet questions whether this new direction risks overshadowing crucial climate and social issues, while Bertrand de Cordoue underscores the importance of dismantling barriers among national armament policies through the ReArm EU initiative.

Debate is essential in our democracies, especially as the stakes go well beyond military or commercial considerations. We are witnessing a profound shift in international relations, where brute force increasingly overrides negotiation. Europe must bolster its position if it hopes to exert influence. The defense measures adopted in March may have partly shaped the future that Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin had in mind for Ukraine.

This month’s infographics, produced by Elvire Fabry and Nicolas Kholer-Suzuki, focus on Towards a new European automotive strategy. Meanwhile, as I write these lines, all eyes in European affairs circles are on what Donald Trump has labeled “liberation day,” which could herald an unprecedented economic and trade war—with serious repercussions for Europe. Once again, Europe’s response must demonstrate to the U.S. administration that we have the means to defend ourselves. In this context, Colette van der Ven, Cláudia Azevedo, Geneviève Pons, and Pascal Lamy examine for Europe Jacques Delors the emergence of a new era of mini trade agreements.

Europe must thus remain resolute and united, but also look beyond immediate challenges, investing in reindustrialization, innovation, carbon-free energy, education, and more to revitalize its economy. Thu Nguyen, Deputy Director of the Jacques Delors Centre in Berlin, explores What the EU should do about Viktor Orbán, highlighting the broader political complexities within the Union. Two recent blog posts illustrate how Europe’s role extends beyond its borders: in Rethinking the EU/Africa relationship in the face of world disorder, Guillaume Arditti calls for renewed engagement, and in The EU could and should put an end to unanimity when it comes to sanctions, Guillaume Duval questions the Union’s foreign and security policy decision-making.

In the run-up to a potential ceasefire in Ukraine, Cyrille Bret warns against the risks of a rushed, poorly negotiated peace in War mongers and peace makers, while Pierre Haroche emphasizes the importance of strong ties between Europeans and Ukrainians for regional stability in Toward an EU-Ukraine Alliance: A Plan for a Joint Training Mission. Florent Parmentier examines the political landscape in Romania and Moldova, asking what the prospects are for 2025.

Faced with escalating global tensions, Europe must strengthen its capabilities, maintain unity, and chart a long-term path forward—ensuring both its own security and the well-being of its citizens. Rearming Europe is about far more than just defense!

Sylvie Matelly

Director of the Jacques Delors Institute