There is now an acknowledgement in the EU that US relations are at a structural turning point, and Europe must act. The EU is regularly demonised by Trump officials, with EU Commissioners referred to as commissars, and Brussels depicted as a repressive Soviet-like set-up dictating to voiceless member states. Looking back at the threat analysis of European officials in late 2024 they were deluded, at best naive. This week he said Europe risks becoming “subordinated, divided, and deindustrialised”, if it does not transform into a “genuine federation”. She also said they had an obligation to help Europe pass trade deals around the globe.

Source: Irish Examiner February 14, 2026 14:55 UTC