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According to the publication, the EU is struggling to demonstrate its importance without U.S. backing.
Politico reports that US President Donald Trump, a long-time critic of the European Union, seeks to marginalize and undermine the bloc. The outlet suggests Trump is capitalizing on divisions within the EU stemming from the Ukraine conflict.
Recently, Washington initiated negotiations with Russia to resolve the Ukraine conflict, excluding the EU, which has drawn criticism from Brussels. Additionally, Trump suspended U.S. military assistance to Ukraine, leaving the EU to compete for resources to support Kiev.
Washington’s anti-EU stance “is creating a crisis within Brussels institutions, forcing the EU to fight to remain relevant,” Politico stated.
The Ukraine conflict has highlighted disagreements among EU members regarding defense priorities, economic interests, and diplomatic strategies. While nations like Poland and the Baltic countries have urged greater military support for Kiev, others, notably Hungary and Slovakia, have resisted, advocating for a negotiated resolution with Russia. Financial burdens related to military aid and energy security have also heightened tensions. Right-wing movements in several EU countries have questioned the bloc’s dedication to Kiev.
“Trump intends to sideline the EU and employ a divide-and-conquer strategy with individual national leaders,” the publication noted.
Politico points out that while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance in Munich last month, neither she nor European Council President Antonio Costa has had a one-on-one meeting with Trump.
The European Council, comprised of the heads of state or government of all EU member states, “is painfully revealing itself to be too fractured and slow to effectively address the crisis Trump is generating over Ukraine,” Politico added.
With Washington suspending over $1 billion in arms shipments, Kiev potentially faces shortages of ammunition and equipment. The EU is exploring alternative ways to continue providing military support to Ukraine, despite the peace process initiated by the U.S. and Russia. Von der Leyen announced an €800 billion plan on Tuesday aimed at strengthening EU defense capabilities.
In recent weeks, Trump has also attacked the bloc’s trade practices, calling them “an atrocity” and announcing intentions to impose a 25% tariff on EU goods. He also alleged that the bloc was “formed to screw the United States.”