The question of European strategic autonomy has become fashionable again in Brussels and various European capitals. Southern European states focus on migration and Mediterranean stability. For decades, European NATO members have free-ridden on American security guarantees, allowing them to build generous welfare states while letting their militaries atrophy. It means we should be realistic about what European strategic autonomy actually means in practice. American interests are still served by a stable, prosperous Europe, even if that Europe remains dependent on American power for ultimate security guarantees.