Washington’s threat of sweeping tariffs has jolted European leaders into rethinking their economic dependencies. As the global trade order splinters, Europe is seeking new alliances built on trust, shared standards and long-term cooperation. For Central and Eastern Europe, this shift is not just a challenge – it is a diplomatic opportunity.
After a few weeks of relative calm and concessions, Washington’s 30% tariff threat has reignited transatlantic tensions. European leaders may be disappointed, but given the trajectory over the past few months, they cannot be surprised.
The US and EU are each other’s biggest trading partners by total trade volume, totalling $975.9 billion in 2024. For decades, the two sides generally shared trust and goodwill rooted in deep trade ties. The economic partnership has long been underpinned by military cooperation and aligned geopolitical postures – but the winds have shifted.
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