Amid mounting introspection and growing disquiet, increasing European voices have warned that if the continent continues to be relegated to a subordinate role, its ability to chart an independent course in global affairs will be severely weakened.

by Xinhua writer Liao Lei

BRUSSELS, March 28 (Xinhua) -- Recent tensions between the United States and the European Union (EU) have once again laid bare a stark reality: for all its rhetoric about treaty alliance, Washington's actions make it clear that European interests are always ready to be sacrificed for its own.

From geopolitical maneuvering to economic coercion, Washington has repeatedly demonstrated that its commitment to transatlantic cooperation is conditional and driven not by mutual respect but by self-interest.

In an interview on Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated his belief that Washington should take control of Greenland, a Danish autonomous territory.

America has "to let them know that we need Greenland for international safety and security. We need it. We have to have it," said Trump ahead of an upcoming controversial visit to Greenland by U.S. Vice President JD Vance.

Claiming that Europe is ripping off the United States, Trump has slapped sweeping tariffs on European goods. Also, the administration has exerted pressure on the EU regarding energy policies, and sought to dictate the sovereignty of European territories under the pretext of strategic necessity.

These actions expose the underlying logic of "America First," a doctrine that prioritizes U.S. dominance even at the expense of its closest allies.

In its relentless pursuit of unilateral interests, Washington is undermining the very multilateral system that has long underpinned global governance.

For Europe, the moment is sobering. Washington's hegemonic policies not only disrupt trade and economic stability but represent a deliberate assault on Europe's strategic autonomy.

Amid mounting introspection and growing disquiet, increasing European voices have warned that if the continent continues to be relegated to a subordinate role, its ability to chart an independent course in global affairs will be severely weakened.

For the past few decades, Europe's call for strategic autonomy has frequently been heard, with little substantive progress made.

It now seems that the widening crack in transatlantic alliance is making Europe's pursuit of strategic autonomy inevitable.

Leaders in Brussels and other major European capitals understand both pains and gains of this strategic pivot. Now is the time to choose wisely.