Media: Trump’s policies push Europe toward fragile alliance, uncertain security

Europe is grappling with the reality that its traditional partnership with the United States may no longer be reliable, as President Donald Trump’s first year back in office has upended long-standing transatlantic norms.

According to Politico, Trump’s open hostility toward the European Union has strained relations that have endured since World War II, deepening divisions among European leaders and within the bloc itself.

Analysts warn that Europe’s ability to respond collectively to U.S. pressure or Russian aggression is increasingly uncertain.

“The Europeans cannot afford to cut ties, given their reliance on American security guarantees,” said Jana Puglierin, senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations. “But this year has made it clear that long-term interests are no longer aligned.”

From harsh criticism of EU immigration policies to public questioning of European political leadership, Trump’s rhetoric has pushed a pragmatic, transactional agenda over traditional alliances rooted in shared values. The White House argues that Europe’s liberal policies have left the continent vulnerable, citing migration concerns, rising crime, and fiscal pressures as justification for a hard-nosed approach.

Despite tensions, Europe has found ways to navigate Trump’s demands. The EU accepted a 15% tariff increase to limit economic fallout, NATO agreed to raise defence spending by 5% over the next decade, and additional U.S. defence aid for Ukraine was secured, albeit contingent on European funding. European leaders have also worked to revise the administration’s secret 28-point peace plan with Russia, aiming to safeguard Ukraine’s long-term security.

Yet the White House continues to signal unpredictability. Trump has suggested he might influence European elections, openly criticised centrists as “weak,” and reiterated his interest in Greenland—appointing Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as special envoy to pursue potential U.S. control of the territory.

“This is shattering for countries that assumed bilateral relationships with the U.S. were safe,” said Constanze Stelzenmüller, Brookings Institution senior fellow.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz acknowledged the shifting dynamics, calling the “Pax Americana” dead, while pursuing EU support for Ukraine, ultimately securing a $90 billion loan despite opposition from Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic.

For Europe, the fundamental question remains: can tactical wins—such as trade concessions, defence pledges, and aid agreements—sustain the transatlantic alliance, or has the strategic relationship been permanently altered? As 2026 approaches, European leaders brace for a year in which old assumptions about the United States no longer hold.

By Aghakazim Guliyev