Europe has about two years to become more independent from the United States, according to former German Defense Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg. On ard’s June 25 Maischberger talk show, Guttenberg warned that major European reforms won’t be possible without French President Emmanuel Macron, whose term ends in 2027.

Referencing the French president’s term limit, Guttenberg warned, in two years “Macron will be gone” and a far-right populist might replace him. He added that Russia’s war on Ukraine could soon extend into nato territory, so Europe needs to be able to fend off such attacks independently. This means Europe has to act now to reform the European Union into a united power capable of acting militarily.

The popular former minister gave a similar warning in a guest lecture to students and soldiers in the Lower Rhine region in March. Summarizing the speech, Rheinische Post wrote on March 20:

Guttenberg called on Germany to work with its European partners, especially France, to urgently prepare itself to ensure its own security in the short term. He said that Donald Trump’s reelection as U.S. president was the “necessary kick in our complacent European backsides”: “We have made ourselves comfortable in our own dependence. But this world is no longer as safe as we imagined it to be in our dreams. It was no longer safe in 2014, and probably not even before that. We have enjoyed our security for years—at the expense of the Americans.” …

For Guttenberg, this also includes a nuclear component as a form of deterrence. Nuclear armament in Germany is illusory, but “nuclear sharing is anything but absurd, only we would then also have to contribute financially.” France is probably the most important partner in this regard. However, this also raises many questions, such as who would decide on the potential use or even the threat of nuclear weapons. For Guttenberg, however, one thing is clear: “A celebrated policy of appeasement will not deter aggression. The Russian attack on Ukraine has shown that a ruler like [Russian President Vladimir] Putin couldn’t care less. Expansionist tendencies cannot be resisted by peaceful means.”

Guttenberg emphasized that such an approach would not be feasible with the entire EU. There would now have to be smaller “force fields” that would lead the way, similar to the introduction of the euro. French President Macron is a driving force in this regard. Now Germany must be willing and able to take on shared responsibility for Europe. “Our window of opportunity is two years, which is how long Macron will be president in France. Then we may have Le Pen.”

Guttenberg’s demands and the time frame he gives are of prophetic relevance.

Throughout the Cold War, the late Herbert W. Armstrong prophesied that Europe would unite militarily, as prophesied in Revelation 17. In 1985, Mr. Armstrong wrote:

At the European Community’s headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, a very large staff are working for a single united European currency, one united military force and one economic structure.

Do not discount the possibility that this resurrection of the medieval Holy Roman Empire may start by some arrangement to reunite East and West Germany first. …

The prophecies of Revelation 13 and 17 and Daniel 2 and 7 show definitely that such a reunited Europe is coming—and soon! That of Daniel 2:33 shows half of this united Europe will consist of Eastern European nations, and half of Western. They comprise the toes and feet of Nebuchadnezzar’s great dream image, to be destroyed by Christ’s coming again to Earth in supreme supernatural power and glory to rule all nations and bring us world peace!

Revelation 17:12-13 add these striking details: “And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.”

Based on these prophecies, Trumpet editor in chief Gerald Flurry has continued Mr. Armstrong’s forecast prophesying that the EU will be pared down to 10 kings ruling 10 nations or groups of nations. He has also pointed to Baron Guttenberg as the likeliest man to lead those kings as the prophesied supreme commander (read Mr. Flurry’s article “Watch This Man Closely”). French President Macron could certainly be one of the 10 kings.

The Bible does not give an exact date when these prophecies will be fulfilled, but as Jesus Christ said: “So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors” (Matthew 24:33).

Judging by the signs of the times, we know that the rise of the 10 kings is imminent. Once they are on the scene, they will eradicate democratic norms and usher in what Christ called the Great Tribulation.

It is paramount that we watch for the rise of these 10 kings and the rise of the overarching leader. Do you have the prophetic urgency necessary to do so?