Transatlantic relations in times of Trump II: What the EU should do

This contribution analyses the deterioration of EU–US relations under President Trump’s second term, contrasting today’s tensions with the cooperative spirit envisioned in the 2003 European Security Strategy and briefly revived under the Biden Administration. The article argues that Trump’s confrontational and transactional approach has undermined trust, unity, and multilateral cooperation. In response, three urgent priorities for the European Union are suggested: (1) deepen economic integration and enhance competitiveness through innovation; (2) achieve strategic autonomy, particularly in defence and foreign policy; and (3) restore and defend the multilateral rules-based international order. Despite current strains, the EU should sustain people-topeople and institutional ties with the United States, preserving shared democratic values and preparing for a future renewal of the transatlantic partnership.