The longstanding alliance between the United States and Europe has been shaped by historical ties and shared values. While Western Europe has traditionally been the focus of US policy, the expansion of the European Union and NATO to include Central and Eastern European countries has shifted the dynamics of the alliance.
Countries in Central and Eastern Europe, such as Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Finland, have shown a strong commitment to NATO and have increased their defense spending, especially in response to the threat posed by Russia. On the other hand, some Western European countries have lagged behind in defense spending, raising concerns about the unity and effectiveness of the alliance.
The recent actions of the Biden administration, such as waiving sanctions on the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, have raised questions about the US commitment to the security concerns of NATO’s eastern members. Central and Eastern European countries have been vocal in their support for Ukraine and have been leading efforts to provide assistance to the country in its conflict with Russia.
As the United States looks to strengthen its relationship with Europe, there is a need to prioritize the concerns and opinions of the Nordics, the Baltics, Poland, Romania, and the Czech Republic. Both the Trump administration and a potential Harris administration should consider elevating the voices of these countries in shaping US policy towards Europe.
Continued support for Ukraine is crucial for NATO’s security and for the credibility of the alliance. The US must show leadership in the face of Russian aggression and work with its European partners to address common security challenges. By aligning with the eastern members of NATO, the US can build a stronger and more united alliance that is better prepared to address evolving security threats.
The future of NATO and the transatlantic relationship hinges on a renewed commitment from both sides of the Atlantic. By recognizing the contributions of the eastern members and working together to address shared security concerns, the US can ensure the continued strength and relevance of the alliance for years to come.