Thoughts on Europe

by Mike James

As we enter another election cycle next year in the United States (US) European nations are taking note. There is some concern in Europe over a possible new Trump presidency. This is due to the fact unlike previous presidents, Trump has made statements about pulling out of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

“It would be extremely stressful if America pivoted away from Europe, and that’s the worry with Trump,” a top European diplomat stated. “Every foreign ministry is thinking about this.”

This thinking has been impacted by the Russian/Ukraine war. Poland plans to spend 4 percent of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on defense next year. That would be more than any other country in the world other than Israel.

Poland is not alone. Recently Germany committed tens of billions of dollars to a long-term military expansion to last into the 2030s. France has started its biggest military spending increase in 50 years. Plans are to spend nearly $450 billion through the end of the decade.

Interestingly the United Kingdom’s (UK) military power continues to shrink. A top US general rates the UK military “barely tier two.” British Prime Minister Sunak omitted the military from his list of top priorities this year.

Some remember the days when the prevailing Church theory on the “Beast power” that would rise was focused primarily on Europe. Some have lost sight of this idea. Some are even opining that the US is going to be part of the “Beast power.” But not so fast. We need to recognize our concept of time and time itself are very different. We all live very short lives when it comes to prophetic time.

There certainly is a shift in geopolitical matters these days. The post-World War II world is just about over. The fact that a US President and now other US presidential candidates are not beholden to the idea of NATO or the US being involved in everything is a change. Change usually occurs slowly and methodically. Often it is two steps forward and one step back. But if the US does draw back a bit from the world, Europe must step up and rebuild their military prowess.

French President Macron has spoken about European “strategic autonomy,” but his ideas have not taken hold yet. But the winds of change might be formulating in Europe.

Over twenty years ago, Austria was the first nation in post-World War II Europe to move to the far right. Most of the rest of Western Europe spoke out in outrage about this. Times have changed slowly.

Last week in the socially liberal Netherlands, hard-right icon Geert Wilders and his Party for Freedom shockingly came in first place in parliamentary elections. Wilders is expected to struggle to form a government due to his party falling well short of a majority. But some say this is a powerful warning to mainstream Europe.

“Everywhere in Europe we see the same right-wing wind blowing,” Tom Van Grieken, a Belgian hard-right populist, said in response to Wilders win. “The advance that has been underway for a while is clearly continuing in the Netherlands. We share our patriotism and want to put our people first again. Nothing can match that motivation.”

Far-right parties are ruling in Italy and Hungary, part of a coalition in Finland, government partners in Sweden, entered Parliament in Greece and made big gains in regional elections in Austria and Germany. But losses for far-right parties in Poland and Spain have also occurred recently.

But analysts say far-right parties are major forces in most of the European Union (EU) countries and are influencing policy in countries where they do not govern. Where will we be in another twenty years? Time will tell.

Whoever the “Beast power” will be the Bible makes it clear it will rule authoritatively and autocratically (Revelation 13:2). It will be mighty militarily (Revelation 13:4). He will blaspheme God (Revelation 13:6). He will also persecute Christians and have globe girding power (Revelation 13:7). The first beast will also be assisted by a second beast who will deceive people with miracles (Revelation 13:11-14).

There certainly is nothing on the world scene currently like that but give it some time. Let’s not discount possible prophetic scenarios just because we have heard them for a long time. The end may be well beyond (time) what we have previously thought. So, stay focused on what you can know—how well you are working out your own salvation (Philippians 2:12-13).

Sources:

“Why Europe is Rearming: It Isn’t Just About Russia,” by Lee Hockstader, The Washington Post, November 20, 2023

“Dutch Vote Shows Far Right Rising, Transforming Europe,” by Anthony Faiola, Emily Rauhala and Loveday Morris, The Washington Post, November 26, 2023