Navigating U.S.-Europe Relations Amid Shifting Trust and Policy Challenges

During a week-long visit to Brussels and Strasbourg, discussions with European leaders and groups focused on energy and climate policy. Despite constructive talks, the diminishing reputation of the U.S. became evident. The Trump administration’s policies weakened trust, making it clear that rebuilding will be a long process.

The U.S. and Europe share common values, such as a strong rule of law and post-World War II stability. They also face challenges like AI-driven labor changes, China’s rise, climate refugees, and the impact of neoliberalism on populism. While Americans still hold respect, conversations consistently circled back to America’s unpredictability as a partner. Many attributed this instability to the Trump era.

Trust is gained in drops but lost in buckets.

Tariff policies and foreign dealings with Venezuela and Iran have eroded trust. An observation from one meeting highlighted how U.S. actions in Iran accelerated the deployment of electric vehicles in Europe. NATO officials further discussed the difficulties of maintaining a unified energy policy amid divergent national strategies.

The issue extends to U.S. actions in Greenland, which try to leverage Europe’s dependence on U.S. liquefied natural gas. This mirrors Russian tactics in Ukraine with natural gas. Europe perceives both Russia and the U.S. as obstructive forces.

This dissatisfaction is nudging Europe closer to China, seen as a more amicable partner. While a stronger Europe aligns with U.S. interests if allied, the trend hints at a potential shift towards isolation. Historical patterns, like those leading to World War I, show how such shifts can increase conflict risks.

Concerns over the U.S. commitment to NATO also arose. Would Danish troops still support the U.S. today as they did in Iraq and Afghanistan? How strained is Arctic intelligence sharing in Greenland, or French involvement in monitoring Iran’s nuclear developments?

Repairing relations requires more than waiting for election outcomes. Democrats winning future elections, while beneficial in changing perceptions, isn’t the sole solution. Consistent U.S. support shouldn’t hinge on party victories. European confidence in U.S. partnership needs assurance beyond the political landscape.

The U.S. must strengthen multilateral, international institutions to withstand partisan shifts. Historically, the U.S. hasn’t empowered these institutions to function independently. This lack of empowerment is evident in how the World Trade Organization handles U.S. tariffs. Accountability within these institutions is crucial for maintaining multilateral commitments.

Achieving this requires significant effort. The U.S. has struggled to hold people accountable domestically, seen in events like the Jan. 6 Capitol attack. Embracing international accountability demands introspection and willingness to cede some sovereignty.

Leadership involves making necessary changes, despite the challenges. U.S. leadership is vital on the global stage, ensuring a stable multilateral world.

Sean Casten represents Illinois’s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.