The transatlantic relationship has been the cornerstone of the EU’s foreign and security policy. However, in a context where some in the US are looking inwards and questioning the values and institutions their country has built internationally, expectations on Europe have increased. The rise of new global power centres has added a new dimension to transatlantic debates, and both sides of the Atlantic must redefine the relationship to preserve security and prosperity, as well as maintain influence in an emerging international system where the 'West’– may no longer be dominant.
The EU has also cultivated and institutionalised relations with Canada and many countries of Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). Recent changes in the international context have made the EU a more attractive partner to LAC countries, which are facing economic slowdowns, rising criminality and problems related to the rule of law. However, the increasing contestation of democratic values (which used to bind LAC countries together) has put regional institutions under pressure and strained relations with the EU.
The transatlantic relationship has changed profoundly. Europe must recognise it and act accordingly. We explore how the EU can move transatlantic relations forward in an age of low trust, and how other US allies across the world are tackling the disruptions of Trump 2.0.
The US National Defense Strategy and force posture reviews are expected by the end of the summer. Despite President Trump's recent shifts in policy on Ukraine, these documents will likely carry a message of restraint, calling for a significant reprioritisation of US resources and...
Ukraine should be able to say no to a bad deal between Trump and Putin. This is achievable, provided we focus on what truly matters and realise that Ukraine holds more cards than Trump may think.
Diverging US and European approaches to ending the war in Ukraine are increasingly apparent. Europe must rise to the challenge and exert pressure on Russia to accept ceasefire terms that will lay the groundwork for a sustainable peace – a real peace grounded in geopolitical...
Europe must beware of the trap of the 'China option' as an automatic response to Trump's hostilities. What Europe has to do is play a smart game and seize Chinese attempts at a rapprochement to obtain real concessions.
The best way for NATO to survive might be to make its structure less reliant on the US. European countries and Canada can do so by increasing their share of the defence burden and by developing European capabilities.
A commentary series exploring how the EU can navigate an increasingly volatile strategic landscape, and chart its course through the tornado unleashed by Trump 2.0.
Trump’s trade tariffs will hit Europe hard. The genius of European integration was its tendency to depoliticise. But with Trump this will not work. It is time for a strong political response by the EU. This is a fight for power, not policy.
This is the moment to expand the international status of the euro, argues Steven Everts.
European leaders are scrambling to respond to the Trump 2.0 presidency in the wake of recent events. Rather than dwell on the latest upheavals in Washington, Europe must focus on itself and above all on investing in its own strength. Three priorities stand out: Ukraine, European...
