Europe's influence in upholding the global order is facing a big test. Experts say Europe itself has weakened international rules by bending them for political reasons. The foundation of the world order after World War II is a strict ban on using force except in self-defense or with UN approval. But Europe has backed military actions that ignored these rules, calling each case an exception. This sends a confusing message: laws can be stretched when it suits strategic goals. This approach lessens the power of international law that Europe wants to protect. The problem is bigger than just military moves. The global trade system, managed by the World Trade Organization (WTO), is meant to be fair and clear. Yet, recent U.S. policies like tariffs and sanctions ignore these rules. Europe talks tough but often lets companies follow U.S. rules to keep access to its financial markets. This makes some countries in the Global South feel that economic independence depends on political power, not fairness. Also, Europe tends to point fingers at human rights abuses by opponents but stays quiet about partners' faults. This selective approach hurts the credibility of universal values and makes people think the international order is just a tool for the West's interests. Europe mostly follows U.S. lead instead of acting as a neutral enforcer of global rules. To fix this, Europe needs three changes: first, strictly follow the UN rules even if it’s politically hard; second, truly support multilateral trade to resist unfair U.S. economic pressure; and third, apply international principles fairly everywhere, not just to political foes. Europe and the U.S. can still be close partners but should openly disagree when important rules are at stake. If Europe wants to save the rules-based international order, it must not enable its decline. Protecting global rules means standing firm against challengers and showing restraint with allies.