Europe is at a historic turning point. Hybrid warfare, geopolitical tensions, and the consequences of climate change threaten our security and stability. At the same time, it has become clear that the United States is no longer a reliable ally. Since Donald Trump’s re-inauguration on January 20, 2025, with JD Vance as Vice President, the U.S. can no longer be counted on as a partner that upholds democratic values and defends its allies.

Trump is heavily influenced by Elon Musk, who has already dismantled USAID and is shaping strategic decisions in ways that weaken global democratic cooperation. Meanwhile, Trump’s pro-Putin stance raises serious questions about the true nature of their relationship. Is it purely geopolitical, or is there a deeper connection between these two men? Whatever the case may be, one thing is obvious: Europe can no longer rely on the United States.

This is the moment for Europe to take its future into its own hands. Only by standing strong and united can we reposition ourselves globally and form new strategic alliances. A key measure to achieve this is the EU Solidarity Surcharge, a common defense fund that would enable the creation of a European Army and enhance civilian protection against hybrid threats, cyberattacks, and climate-related disasters.

A Fair Contribution of every European for a Secure Europe

The idea of a solidarity surcharge is not new. After the reunification of Germany, a solidarity tax (Solidaritätszuschlag) was introduced in 1991 to finance the reconstruction of East Germany. Every taxpayer contributed a fixed percentage of their income through an additional tax, with revenues strictly dedicated to rebuilding infrastructure and supporting economic development in the former GDR.

The same principle should now apply to the security of all Europeans. An EU Solidarity Surcharge would function similarly:

• A fixed percentage of income tax as an additional contribution

• Revenues strictly earmarked for defense and population protection

• A fair system where all Europeans contribute to their collective security

Just as Germany invested in its future after reunification, Europe must now invest in its security and independence. This is not just about national interests – it’s about protecting our entire continent.

Shared Responsibility: Every European Contributes to Security

Security should not depend on national budgets, where some donor countries bear the burden while others reap the benefits. Defense and protection concern all of us – which is why every European should contribute a fair share to the collective security of our continent.

This is true European solidarity: Everyone contributes, and everyone benefits. No longer should individual nations be solely responsible for military strength – we stand together for our security. This is also a matter of justice, ensuring that not just the economic powerhouses of Europe pay, but that every member state and citizen contributes fairly.

A common defense fund would immediately fulfill what Volt has championed since its foundation: solidarity, justice, unity, and cohesion. In a world full of challenges, standing together as a strong, united Europe sends a clear signal: Europe defends itself – not just militarily, but as a society that protects one another.

More Than Just Military Power – Protecting People in an Unstable World

Defense is about more than tanks and soldiers. Protecting our people is just as crucial as protecting our borders. The funds from the EU Solidarity Surcharge could, therefore be used to address the most pressing threats of our time.

Europe is already experiencing hybrid warfare: cyberattacks on critical infrastructure, coordinated disinformation campaigns, and economic coercion by authoritarian states are daily realities. Our democracies, economies, and societies are under constant attack. If we fail to counter this, Europe will become increasingly vulnerable. A common defense fund could be used to strengthen cybersecurity and counter hybrid threats, ensuring that European states and their citizens are no longer defenseless.

Climate change is another growing threat. Natural disasters such as floods, storms, and droughts are becoming more frequent, endangering lives and causing massive economic damage. Protecting against these risks cannot be left to individual nations alone. Europe needs a coordinated strategy for disaster prevention and crisis management. A collectively funded security mechanism could establish emergency response units ready to be deployed to affected areas, protecting people and securing infrastructure.

Such a fund would be more than just an insurance policy against crises. It would be an investment in Europe’s resilience. A society that can rely on its own strength is less susceptible to fear and division.

Psychological Impact: Europe Becomes a True Community

The establishment of a common defense fund would have profound psychological effects on European identity. For the first time, every citizen in Europe would be actively contributing to the protection of our continent – not just through words or political commitments but through a real, binding obligation.

It would create a new sense of European belonging. When all Europeans contribute, awareness grows that we are not just citizens of individual nation-states but members of a real community. The EU would no longer be seen as merely an economic or bureaucratic entity but as a political and societal security guarantee.

It would build trust in the EU. Many people perceive Europe as distant and ineffective. A common defense fund would prove the opposite: Europe can act. Europe can protect itself. Europe is strong.

It would transform fear into determination. While many in Europe look anxiously at global developments, a decisive, well-funded European security strategy would instill confidence. People would realize that they are not dependent on the United States or at the mercy of authoritarian states. They could rely on a European Army, one that serves not as an aggressor but as a guarantor of peace, stability, and security.

This psychological dimension cannot be underestimated. History shows that nations and communities grow closer in times of uncertainty when they recognize a common purpose. A solidarity-based defense fund would achieve exactly that: It would unite us, strengthen our confidence, and finally make Europe the strong, independent entity it must be.

We Are Entering a New World Order – Europe Must Act Now

The global balance of power is shifting. The United States is preoccupied with itself, while authoritarian states like Russia and China seize every opportunity to weaken democracies. Europe can no longer afford to wait – we must take our own security into our own hands.

An EU Solidarity Surcharge, combined with additional financing strategies such as a digital tax or financial transaction tax, could lay the financial foundation for establishing a powerful European Army and an effective civilian protection system. It is crucial that this fund is fairly distributed – every country and every citizen must contribute their share.

Volt needs to call on Europe to take this path now. We do not need another debate about dependencies – we need action. The era of outsourcing our security to others is over. Now is the time for a strong, independent, and united Europe.