His Excellency Toomas Hendrick Ilves believes that the United States is no longer an ally. The US is supporting Russia at the expense of Europe. When former Eastern bloc countries like Estonia joined the EU and NATO, they warned their larger Western allies about the Russian threat but were ignored. In February 2007, Putin’s claim that the West was the adversary ought to have been a warning.
History of the US and European relationship
Since World War II, the US has set up international organisations such as the UN, NATO and the World Health Organisation. The only exception was the European Coal & Steel Community which led to the Common Market and EU. In essence, the EU is a ‘peace project’. Although the US was happy with Europe’s economic prosperity, it was hesitant for Europe to possess any military might.
As a result of the US overseeing Europe’s defence, Europe’s military is extremely weak and defence funds have steadily declined. When the French and British tried to occupy Suez by military force, America was furious and didn’t support them while Russia threatened them.
Russian aggression
Recently, Russia has been advancing, invading Georgia, Ukraine and funding President Assad in Syria. Putin is trying to roll back to communist days. Europe must wake up, adapt and fight back. Unfortunately, European defence spending has been reduced from 4% in 1962 to 1.4% in 2019 with military production outsourced to the US.
Ilves pointed out that Donald Tusk was the only Eastern European to be appointed out of 20 officials in the EU and NATO. The NATO Secretary General position could not be taken by an Estonian when it became available because their country bordered with Russia (although several NATO countries felt the Estonian candidate would be too ‘confrontational’ with Russia)
Why has America abandoned Europe?
Over time, the demographics in the US have shifted, leading to a more distant connection to Europe. Many Americans no longer identify with their ancestral roots – Italian, German, Scottish, etc., but rather see themselves simply as American, resulting in a waning interest in supporting Europe.
Third anniversary of Russian invasion of Ukraine
On February 24, 2025, marking the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Europe presented its annual resolution condemning Russia at the UN. In a shocking act, the US voted against the motion, aligning with Russia, Belarus, North Korea, Hungary, and others, while China and Cuba chose to abstain.
Erosion of trust
This catastrophic decision by the US has eroded trust. For a time, the US also halted military and technical assistance to Ukraine, leaving it more vulnerable to Russian aggression. Furthermore, President Trump has said that only a “toned down” version of the new US F-47 fighter jet will be available for Europe. He has also proposed phasing out NATO’s Article 5 (NATO members coming to the aid of any member who is invaded), offering only a nuclear umbrella instead.
What should Europe do?
As a result, European nations must take full responsibility for their defence. Poland and Estonia are already ramping up their defence budgets to 5% of GDP, Germany changed its constitutional ‘debt break’ and has announced a €600 bn increase in military spending. To facilitate arms purchases, European countries in general will need to revise their debt rules. It is crucial for European nations to achieve complete unanimity in foreign policy. Also, Hungary’s veto power should be reconsidered, as it frequently obstructs EU actions.
The Baltic states need to take action to prevent Russian uninsured oil tankers, often referred to as “rust buckets”, from operating in the Baltic Sea. These vessels account for 60% of Russia’s oil exports. The UK and EU should cooperate on defence. Rules governing the European Investment Bank should be changed (for example, so that the bank can invest in defence). Problems should be recognised early. History must be reassessed – the US is no longer an ally.
What should the UK do?
In response to a question from Alyn Smith, Vice President of the European Movement in Scotland, Ilves suggested that the UK should realign itself with the EU and consider holding another referendum on Brexit.
Background of Toomas Hendrick Ilves
Ilves was President of Estonia between 2006 and 2016 at a crucial period in his country’s history, steering it both into the EU and NATO. He encouraged Estonia to become one of the most digitally advanced countries in the world.
Estonian by birth, Toomas was raised in the US, obtaining a BA from Columbia University and MA from Pennsylvania University. He also spent three years and a half at Stanford University. From 1993 to 1996 he was Estonian Ambassador to the US.
More in Europe.
