Is Europe Becoming More Independent or More Divided?

European leaders are growing in confidence as they grow in military power, improve their trade relations, and distance themselves from their reliance on the United States and other nations. But, as one commentator warned, “for all the talk of the European Union protecting itself from outside threats, the greatest dangers lie within” (New York Times, July 7, 2026).

Europe is acting more like a unified federation. However, the politics playing out within its member nations tell a different story. “The result is a paradox. At the continental level, Europe is coming together, as leaders boast of the bloc becoming ever more resilient. But at the member-state level, Europe is cracking up, as domestic politics becomes ever more volatile. That threatens to cast the continent into disarray, hobbling the European Union’s bid for independence and exposing it to the predations of the far right.” And the far right is gaining strength in multiple nations across Europe, including two of the most powerful: France and Germany. Perhaps this is partly due to the unpredictability of the elite leadership in these nations.

Bible prophecy has long described this “iron and clay nature” of Europe (Daniel 2:33, 41–43). But the Bible also foretells that a strong leader will soon emerge to unify core European nations—at least for a short time (Revelation 17:12–13). The Bible refers to this coming charismatic leader as “the beast,” and he will use many tools, including supernatural signs, to establish his position! To learn more, read or listen to The Beast of Revelation: Myth, Metaphor, or Soon-Coming Reality?