Transatlantic relations since early 2025 have been marked by rising tension and uncertainty regarding the reliability of the United States as an ally. Policy clashes are expected across multiple domains, including NATO, Greenland, Ukraine, trade, technology, climate, and relations with China, underscoring a fundamental divergence in the US and European outlooks and objectives. While the US under the Trump Administration increasingly prioritizes Asia and presses Europe to assume greater responsibility for its own defence, Europe is debating how to respond to diminished American security guarantees and the likelihood of assertive US demands for policy concessions. This era could see the alliance seriously weakened – or irreparably changed – as mutual confidence erodes and both sides brace for repeated confrontation on core issues. Yet underlying interests – mutual security, innovation, infrastructure development, and economic resilience – still foster opportunities for cooperation if both sides sustain dialogue, manage disputes, and reaffirm shared commitments. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP Read more