The Guardian on Saturday reported that Dominique de Villepin, the former French prime minister and diplomat known for his strong opposition to the Iraq War in 2003, is re-entering the public sphere with a renewed warning about transatlantic relations. 

Villepin, who once challenged US interventionism at the United Nations, now argues that Europe must break free from its reliance on the United States, particularly under Donald Trump's leadership. 

The veteran statesman, who previously cautioned against Europe's dependence on Washington, sees Trump's foreign policy as a catalyst for change. As European leaders scramble to reassess their strategic alliances, Villepin insists this is a critical moment for the continent to take control of its own defense, security, and technological future. 

"With Russia, China, and the US, we now have three illiberal superpowers," Villepin stated. "America can no longer be considered an ally of Europe." He believes the US is isolating itself on the world stage and that Trump's approach will ultimately weaken the country. 

In response to this shifting global order, Villepin advocates for a new European framework built on three key pillars: the development of an independent defense system, significant investment in technology and innovation, and stronger Franco-British cooperation in military and security matters. He specifically stressed the need for Europe to reduce its reliance on US weapons systems and to establish security guarantees for Ukraine. 

"We have to take our destiny in our own hands," he said, stressing that Trump's actions—particularly his stance on Ukraine and his alignment with figures like Elon Musk—pose a direct threat to European stability. "They understand that Europe is now the main obstacle for their vision. And this is, of course, not acceptable."

Villepin's warning

Villepin, who played a pivotal role in opposing the Iraq invasion, sees echoes of that era in today's transatlantic tensions. His 2003 UN speech, which warned of the chaos that would follow the war, was met with rare applause in the Security Council chamber. Now, two decades later, his message remains strikingly relevant, as he calls for Europe to defend its values against a rising tide of nationalist politics.

Although speculation has emerged about a possible presidential run in France's 2027 election, Villepin remains elusive about his political ambitions. However, he asserts that national security and foreign policy would be central issues in upcoming European elections. "National security will be the most important issue for voters, because it's about liberty, values, whether we believe in sovereignty or submission."

European sovereignty

Villepin is particularly vocal about the influence of technology and media in shaping political outcomes. He warns that Musk, whom he accuses of backing extremist movements, seeks to control European media and technology sectors. "Elon Musk wants a complete vassalisation of Europe and European media. So this is a question of our fundamental liberties, and our freedom to think what we want to think."

Ahead of Germany's February general election, Musk actively promoted the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. However, Villepin points out that Musk's endorsement did not significantly impact the final vote. He also doubts that Musk's involvement in French politics would be effective, noting, "Oh, it would be the surest way for Le Pen to lose, if Elon Musk came here to campaign with her."

Despite Marine Le Pen's efforts to moderate her party's image, Villepin argues that her political ideology aligns closely with Trump's movement. "She's very close to Russia. Close to these ideas. Anti-globalisation, anti-immigration, anti-multiculturalism. So they're completely linked."

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Villepin is now seeing an opportunity to reinforce Europe's leadership in global affairs. He believes that while nationalist forces may currently gain traction, their policies will ultimately collapse under economic and social realities. "This is always the problem for the nationalists and populists. What I call the principle of reality."

For now, Villepin stands as a leading voice in the fight for European sovereignty. Whether this leads to a formal political comeback remains to be seen. However, he is clear on one point: "This is an opportunity for Europe to be the voice of stability. Because here, we know the consequences of authoritarian nationalism."