The US-EU relationship experienced significant strain throughout 2025, marked by escalating trade tensions and a shifting geopolitical landscape under a second Donald Trump presidential term. This turbulence, impacting economic policy and international cooperation, culminated in a December escalation following the release of the Trump administration’s National Security Strategy. The year saw Brussels attempting to navigate a challenging dynamic with Washington, ultimately reaching a trade agreement widely considered unfavorable to European interests.
The year began with President Trump resuming office and quickly implementing policies focused on domestic economic growth, often at the expense of international partnerships. Funding cuts to USAID and a renewed trade war with China were early indicators of a more isolationist approach. These actions inevitably created ripples across the Atlantic, forcing the European Union to reassess its strategy for engaging with the United States.
Navigating a Difficult US-EU Relationship in 2025
Recognizing the potential for further economic damage, the EU sought to proactively address the growing divide with the US. In the summer of 2025, negotiations led to a trade deal, but according to experts, it largely conceded to American demands. This agreement aimed to mitigate the worst effects of potential tariffs and trade barriers, but came at a cost to European leverage.
Stefan Grobe, a Brussels correspondent and US expert, explained that the EU felt it had limited options given the circumstances. The deal was viewed as a temporary measure to stabilize the situation, acknowledging that it was likely just the beginning of a more assertive US foreign policy. However, Grobe also noted that Trump’s criticisms weren’t entirely unfounded, particularly regarding China’s trade practices.
The US has long expressed concerns about trade imbalances and intellectual property theft related to China. The Council on Foreign Relations provides extensive analysis of these issues. While the EU has shared some of these concerns, it has generally favored a more collaborative approach to addressing them, contrasting with Trump’s more confrontational style.
Escalation in December
The situation deteriorated further in early December with President Trump’s pointed remarks about the EU in an interview with Politico and the unveiling of his administration’s National Security Strategy. The strategy signaled a clear prioritization of American interests and a willingness to act unilaterally, raising anxieties in Brussels about the future of transatlantic cooperation.
Grobe characterized Trump’s attitude towards the EU as deeply antagonistic, stating that the President “despises” the bloc. This sentiment, coupled with the National Security Strategy, suggests a continued period of friction and uncertainty in the US-EU relationship. The implications extend beyond trade, potentially impacting security and defense collaboration.
The EU has historically relied on the US for security guarantees through NATO. However, Trump’s repeated questioning of the alliance’s relevance and his calls for European nations to contribute more financially have cast doubt on the long-term viability of this arrangement. This has spurred discussions within the EU about the need for greater strategic autonomy and a more robust European defense capability.
Looking Ahead to 2026: European Strategic Autonomy
Despite the challenges, the current situation could present an opportunity for the EU to define its own path and strengthen its internal cohesion. Grobe suggests that the EU should use this period to “figure out what to do next,” potentially accelerating efforts towards greater independence in key areas such as defense, technology, and energy policy. The concept of European strategic autonomy has been gaining traction in recent years, and the current geopolitical climate may provide the impetus for its full realization.
The coming year will likely be defined by the EU’s response to continued pressure from the US. Whether the bloc can successfully navigate this difficult period and emerge stronger will depend on its ability to forge a unified front and pursue a clear strategic vision. Monitoring the evolution of the US-EU relationship and the EU’s efforts towards greater independence will be crucial in understanding the future of global politics.
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Additional sources • David Brodheim sound editor and mixer.
