Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen arriving at the European Council summit in Brussels, January 22, 2026. NICOLAS TUCAT/AFP
“Uh,” stammered Mette Frederiksen. Although accustomed to tough questions, the Danish prime minister found herself at a loss for words when, upon her arrival at the European Council on Thursday, January 22, a reporter asked whether she still trusted the United States. That brief hesitation spoke volumes about the shockwaves Donald Trump’s threats sent through Europe – threats to seize Greenland and, if necessary, by force, and to raise tariffs on countries that tried to stop him.
Trump’s backing down on the evening of January 21 brought deep relief to the 27 member states. However, these past few days of crisis convinced them that the relationship between the European Union and the US, however essential, was on shaky ground. Even the most pro-transatlantic leaders, like Frederiksen, could not hide their dismay. “Some people still had illusions. Now, everyone is realistic,” said one diplomat.
On Thursday, European heads of state and government met to discuss transatlantic relations, one year after Trump’s return to the White House. No one disputed the importance – or the necessity – of that relationship, given the EU’s dependence on the US for security and its need for Washington’s support to help find an end to the war in Ukraine.
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