The President of the European Parliament stated that Europe will be prepared to stand up to China or Russia, even in the absence of the United States.

Europe is prepared to independently confront threats from China or Russia if the United States decides to reduce its contribution to collective security.

This was stated by the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, in an interview with RBK-Ukraine.

"Strengthening our defense and security is our top priority," she said.

According to her, in recent years, the EU has increased overall defense spending by 30% and has made significant progress in joint defense procurement and expanding ammunition production. Through the European Defense Fund, member states are supported in developing innovative and compatible defense technologies and equipment.

"Additionally, for the first time, we have a European Commissioner for Defense, and the European Parliament has upgraded the status of its defense subcommittee to a full committee. These were important steps, but we need to do even more, and we will," Metsola added.

The President of the European Parliament noted that the real issue for the EU is fragmentation. "While the U.S. uses 30 weapon systems, Europe has 178. Fragmentation leads to higher costs and inefficiency. We need a unified defense industrial market. As Prime Minister Tusk aptly stated: 'The era of geopolitical outsourcing is over,'" Metsola explained.

"So, in response to your question: we will be ready," she said when asked if Europe could independently counter threats from China or Russia.

It is worth noting that Europe is working on a new large package of measures to increase defense spending and support for Kyiv. European leaders aim to revive the continent's military strength after nearly 80 years during which they effectively outsourced much of their security to the U.S.

The return of Donald Trump to the White House has fundamentally changed transatlantic relations, and U.S. officials have made it clear that the president is prepared to abandon allies if they refuse to take responsibility for their own security.

As NATO Military Committee Chairman Admiral Giuseppe Cavò Dragone stated, the U.S. is likely to maintain its commitment to NATO, although it may reduce its military presence in Europe as its priorities shift to the Indo-Pacific region.