Professor Jeffrey Sachs addressed the European Parliament on February 19, 2025. With over 36 years advising governments in Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union, and Ukraine, Sachs offered a compelling perspective on U.S. foreign policy, NATO, and Europe’s path forward.
Here are his key statements:
- "Since 1991, the U.S. has pursued global power unilaterally, ignoring other nations’ security concerns and international frameworks like the UN."
- "The Ukraine conflict stems from NATO’s eastward push, starting in 1999 and escalating post-9/11, despite Russia’s protests and warnings from U.S. statesmen."
- "Europe must break from U.S. dominance—‘To be an enemy of the U.S. is dangerous, but to be a friend is fatal’—and develop a real, independent foreign policy."
- "Negotiate directly with Putin to address Russia’s security concerns and secure peace, while protecting Europe’s high quality of life."
- "U.S.-led wars over 30 years reflect a hubristic belief in American dominance, from the Middle East to Ukraine."
- "Pre-NATO Finland’s prosperity and security offer a blueprint for Ukraine’s future."
- "Peace could unlock technology’s potential to solve climate change, biodiversity loss, and global education through cooperation."