Josep Borrell argued that the invasion of Ukraine reveals a reality the European Union can no longer ignore: relying on distant powers for essential needs endangers its own security. In military terms Europe still leans on the United States; in technology it depends on China and other major producers of rare earths; and in energy it relies on regimes such as Russia, which supplies a large share of the EU’s gas. The takeaway was clear: expectations that Putin would relent did not come true. This moment underlines the urgency for a more autonomous European approach.
Speaking at a Senate Palace gathering in Madrid, the High Representative for Foreign Policy outlined what he calls strategic autonomy for the 27 member states. The aim is to move the European project forward by boosting its capacity to act independently when needed while preserving constructive alliances with partners across the Atlantic and beyond.
According to Borrell, the vision starts with thorough alignment at every level. The alliance must be built from the ground up, not merely by waiting for approval from traditional partners. He believes the European Union needs credible military capabilities that enable decisive action when others, including the United States, may decide that intervention is not in their interests.
He stressed that Europe cannot stay a passive participant in global security. The EU should not only be part of an alliance but also strengthen its own capacity to intervene when it sees fit. The objective is to ensure that Europe is not a weak partner in strategic matters but a capable actor contributing to global stability without always waiting for others to step in first.
This stance reflects a long standing observation, he noted: Europe has repeatedly needed U.S. support to address critical crises, from the former Yugoslavia to Libya, and now in the Ukraine context. The current situation makes it especially evident that Europe must build its own military capabilities to handle emergencies without waiting for external rescue, because the danger can hit close to home.
You Can’t Avoid Us
During his Madrid visit, the High Representative also announced that the European Commission is advancing its work toward digital autonomy. He admitted that Europe has lost ground in this area, and that rival powers seized the opportunity. The United States and China have moved to the forefront, and Europe must reclaim that strategic space, not by chasing unfamiliar routes but by leading in the next generation of technology.
Borrell explained that Europe cannot simply imitate others or outsource its digital future. The goal is to make a significant leap forward, to shape the next wave of technological development, and to ensure that European innovation remains a central, self reliant force on the world stage. In his view, this matters for national and continental security as much as for economic vitality.
The same logic applies to energy policy, where Europe pursues a more self directed approach to its geopolitical calculations. A European perspective on energy means evaluating how deals with supplier countries influence the bloc’s broader strategy. It requires a posture that is not merely reactive but guided by a clear, coherent long term vision that balances supply reliability with political independence.
Illustrating with Russia, the Spanish politician pointed to how energy dependence can turn into leverage for political purposes. Dependence on gas and certain critical materials like lithium or rare earths has highlighted vulnerabilities that Europe must address. The aim is to reduce those vulnerabilities through diversified sourcing, strategic reserves, and strengthened domestic capabilities, ensuring that energy choices no longer dictate political outcomes for the EU.
For Borrell, Europe remains the best possible blend of political liberty, economic advancement, social solidarity, and respect for privacy. Yet he warned that these strengths also bring exposure to new risks. The union should acknowledge its fragilities and work deliberately to fortify its strategic fabric so that freedom and prosperity do not depend on a narrow set of external conditions. In short, the message is not pessimism but a call for practical resilience that enhances Europe’s capacity to act on its own terms when necessary.