Europe Must Abandon Illusions for Survival

Dr Alexander Wolf, Head of Germany's Hanns-Seidel-Foundation's capital office, has called for an end to naivety in European politics. In an opinion piece for Euronews, he argues that Europe urgently needs a survival strategy rather than wishes. Wolf identifies three illusions that must be abandoned to secure the continent's future. The piece serves as a critique of current European policy directions and advocates for a fundamental shift in strategic thinking.

Dr Alexander Wolf has issued a direct challenge to the current political climate in Europe. Writing for Euronews, the head of the German Hanns-Seidel-Foundation's capital office argues that the time for naivety has passed. He posits that Europe is facing existential threats that require a clear-eyed assessment of reality rather than wishful thinking. The central thesis of his piece is that survival, not idealism, must be the guiding principle for European policy.

The argument is built on the premise that Europe has been operating under false assumptions. Wolf contends that these misconceptions have left the continent vulnerable. By calling for the abandonment of illusions, he suggests that European leaders have been avoiding difficult but necessary decisions. The shift he advocates is from a passive hope for favorable outcomes to an active strategy for ensuring security and prosperity.

According to Dr Wolf, Europe must say goodbye to three specific illusions to move forward. While the source text does not explicitly list all three, the framing of the argument suggests they are foundational to current European foreign and domestic policy. These illusions likely involve:

• Over-reliance on international partnerships that may not have Europe's best interests at heart.
• A false sense of security regarding military and defense capabilities.
• Economic models that are not sustainable in a volatile global landscape.

Identifying and dismantling these illusions is presented as the first step toward building a resilient Europe. Dr Wolf's analysis implies that clinging to these outdated beliefs will only accelerate the continent's decline. The necessary path forward involves confronting uncomfortable truths about Europe's position in the world.

The alternative to wishful thinking, according to Dr Wolf, is the development of a comprehensive survival strategy. This is not merely about defense but encompasses economic stability, political unity, and technological sovereignty. Such a strategy would be proactive rather than reactive, designed to anticipate and mitigate future crises. It would require difficult choices and a unified commitment from all member states of the European Union.

This call for a survival strategy highlights a perceived weakness in the current European approach. Instead of addressing root causes and long-term challenges, current policies may be focused on short-term fixes. Dr Wolf's argument suggests that Europe needs a robust plan that can withstand geopolitical shocks and internal divisions. The goal is to ensure that Europe remains a relevant and powerful actor on the world stage for generations to come.

As a representative of a major German political foundation, Dr Wolf's views carry significant weight. Germany is a key player in European politics, and a shift in its strategic outlook could influence the entire continent. His analysis reflects a growing concern within certain German political circles about the direction of European policy. The piece signals a potential move away from traditional diplomatic approaches toward a more assertive and self-reliant stance.

The implications of adopting a survival strategy are far-reaching. It could lead to changes in how Europe interacts with global powers like the UN, the United States, and China. Domestically, it would require significant investment in defense, energy independence, and industrial policy. Dr Wolf's opinion piece is a contribution to an ongoing debate about Europe's identity and its role in a rapidly changing world. It adds to the pressure on leaders to prioritize long-term resilience over short-term political convenience.