analysis
The new US national security strategy reads like a rebuke to the EU. But Brussels is reacting calmly – because not everything in the relationship is going badly.
St. Nicholas Day isn't celebrated in the USA, but the Christian saint lives on there in the figure of Santa Claus. Millions of children tremble with anticipation of what the man in the red suit and white beard will pull out of his sack—a switch for naughty children or sweets for good ones. Europeans, at least, haven't been good this year. The dressing-down they just received from overseas is certainly cause for fear.
But the brave Europeans are demonstrating remarkable composure. The EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, speaks of"some differences." Nevertheless, they remain"the closest allies." Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni sees no rift between the US and Europe. And according to German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, the US is"still our most important ally in NATO."
Are Europeans underestimating the gravity of the situation, or is it right not to add fuel to the fire? It is worthwhile to consider the three threads that connect us to the USA separately: the political, the military, and the economic.
The military situation is currently calm.
It may sound surprising, but the military situation is still the best: the US is no longer threatening to withdraw from NATO. Since the Europeans pledged to spend five percent of their economic output on security, things have calmed down on that front for the time being. In addition, the Americans are continuing negotiations with the Ukrainians this weekend about a possible end to the war.
With the PURL initiative ("Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List"), they also struck a good deal with the EU: The initiative stipulates that Ukraine orders the weapons it needs from the US – and the Europeans finance the purchase. Trump won't let this deal slip away so easily.
Customs dispute and censorship allegations
Economically, the connections are more complicated. Trump completely outmaneuvered the EU in the tariff deal. While 15 percent tariffs are manageable, every piece of steel and aluminum exported from Europe to the US has become 50 percent more expensive. A solution is nowhere in sight. What can be done? Finding new partners and simplifying business within Europe – there are still billions to be gained there.
The most difficult aspect is the political entanglement – one could also call it the human factor. Trump is a master of division, and his downplaying of far-right parties is extremely dangerous. The accusation of censorship is ludicrous, but it resonates on right-wing social media accounts.
endure lectures
That's precisely where the EU has just clashed with a powerful adversary: Elon Musk. His platform X has to pay a fine of €120 million. The retaliation will take place online – and this could have dire consequences.
For Europeans, there is still no alternative but to continue on their own path to independence. They must defend their values, invest money in defense and in the digital future. Sometimes one has to stand firm in one's position without flinching. If you're lucky, then there will be peace for at least a year.
