“A Paradigm Shift Declaration” for Europe
Saeed Jalilvand, in an interview with the website of the Strategic Council on Foreign Relations, meticulously reviewed the text of the French parliamentary report, calling it “the turning of a historical page.” According to the senior international affairs analyst, “Europe has increasingly found itself on the margins of global developments in recent years; its economic, military, and even technological dependence on the United States has prevented the continent from playing an independent role in global equations. Therefore, this document proposes a systematic critique of the current situation through its recommendations. When a formal European institution, at such a level, explicitly labels dependence on America as a failure, it signifies that Europe’s intellectual landscape is moving toward redefining transatlantic relations.”

Jalilvand views this shift in tone not as the result of a transient disagreement but as a sign of the maturation of a new discourse—one in which Europe seeks “strategic autonomy,” this time not only in the security sphere but also in financial and economic domains. This expert states: “The discussion of de-dollarization and creating a shared global currency signals Europe’s desire to sever its chains of dependence on the U.S. economy. If implemented, this issue will have a direct impact on the structure of the global economy.”

Obstacles and Resistance to Implementing Recommendations
Despite the bold language in the French parliamentary document, Jalilvand points to numerous obstacles in its implementation. He notes that “past experiences have shown that whenever France or other EU members have raised the idea of strategic independence, significant internal and external resistance has emerged. Within Europe, Eastern and Central European countries—which see their security as inextricably linked to NATO—typically do not welcome such ideas. Externally, America possesses abundant tools to influence EU decisions, ranging from economic pressure to political and security leverage.”

Nevertheless, the senior international affairs analyst believes that “the current geopolitical situation has created an unprecedented space for these changes because increasing U.S. competition with China—especially during Trump’s second term—the Ukraine war, the White House’s approach to NATO, tariffs on European trade, the energy crisis, and fragile supply chains are all factors pushing Europe to reconsider restructuring its international relations. France’s parliamentary document is in fact a strategic response to these conditions.” He adds that implementing the document’s recommendations requires strong political will and institutional coordination at the EU level, with the role of major countries like France and Germany being decisive in its realization.

America’s Reaction: From Concern to Confrontation
Jalilvand’s analysis indicates that the United States will not let this document pass unnoticed. He maintains that “Washington views such efforts as a direct threat to the post-WWII security and economic architecture—an architecture whose core principles are transatlantic alliance and dollar dominance. From America’s perspective, every step Europe takes toward strategic independence potentially weakens NATO and diminishes Washington’s influence in global markets.”

According to the senior international affairs analyst, “America’s reaction will likely combine diplomatic pressure, economic incentives, and even leveraging media to sow doubt among European public opinion. Past experiences, including America’s response to Europe’s joint energy projects with Russia, demonstrate that the White House possesses extensive tools to obstruct independent European policies in such circumstances.”

Jalilvand concludes: “Although this document has not yet become the official policy of France or the European Union, at the discourse level, it has sounded the alarm for all opposing actors. Henceforth, transatlantic relations should be expected to enter a period of heightened tension and discursive contention.”