The first quarter of Trump's second term has been filled with uncertainty for Europe. EU leaders face new challenges in trade and international policy.
Europe's Trade Issues with the US
Upon his return to office, Trump imposed a 20% duty on all EU exports to the US but later paused this decision, calling for negotiations. European officials were prepared for retaliatory measures, but these plans were shelved. Nonetheless, Europe continues to face tariffs on aluminum, steel, and cars. European Central Bank officials have expressed concerns that this trade uncertainty might negatively impact the region's economic growth.
Europe's Difficult Position on Ukraine
Trump's shifting stance on Ukraine leaves European leaders unsure of how long the US will support Ukraine's defense against Russia. EU representative Kaja Kallas noted that the bloc supports Ukraine more than anyone else but warned that any withdrawal by Washington would complicate matters significantly.
General Consequences for Europe
Europe holds mixed feelings about US policy. The German finance minister indicated that the situation is not yet at a crisis point but acknowledged that the lack of coordinated actions continues to worsen the situation.
The first quarter of Trump's second term has proven to be a true test for Europe, raising many questions about the future of transatlantic relations and collective strategies across various domains.
