After a Year of Trump, EU Leaders Begrudgingly Learn to Live With the Reality of an Unreliable Ally

One year into Donald Trump’s leadership, European Union leaders have increasingly adjusted to a new political reality marked by unpredictability and strained cooperation. Long-standing transatlantic partnerships, once built on trust and shared values, have faced repeated challenges as policy shifts and rhetoric from Washington unsettled European capitals.

EU leaders have responded by placing greater emphasis on strategic autonomy, particularly in areas such as defense, trade, and diplomacy. While cooperation with the United States continues, European policymakers are now more cautious, often preparing alternative plans to safeguard their interests. This shift reflects a growing realization that reliance on traditional alliances alone may no longer guarantee stability.

Despite frustrations, European leaders acknowledge the necessity of maintaining dialogue with the United States. Balancing cooperation with caution has become the new norm, as the EU seeks to strengthen internal unity while navigating an evolving global order shaped by uncertainty and changing alliances.