(News Report by: Asmaa Reidan) BRUSSELS, Feb 8 (KUNA) -- Relations between Europe and the US have entered an unprecedented phase of tension since President Donald Trump returned to the White House, amid a series of crises spanning trade, tariffs, the war in Ukraine, and the most acute dispute over Washington's interest in Greenland, a Danish territory.
Although tensions eased after Trump announced he would not use force to seize the Arctic island, Europeans view the Greenland issue as a pivotal moment in their relationship with their traditional ally, revealing limits to trust in the transatlantic partnership.
Amid uncertainty over the future of negotiations regarding Greenland, European officials have openly expressed frustration with the US and are increasingly calling for a reassessment of their military and economic dependence on Washington. Statements reflecting this sentiment have emerged from capitals including Brussels and Paris.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, in a recent meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, noted that the past weeks had provided Europe with important lessons on the need for unity in facing external threats, a reference to the Greenland crisis. Frederiksen emphasized at a joint press conference with Macron and Greenland's Premier Jens Frederik Nielsen that the international system "may have ended as we know it." Macron described recent events over Greenland as a "wake-up call for strategic Europe," urging the European Union to take full responsibility, including a review of its Arctic strategy. Observers note that, behind the scenes, European diplomats are concerned about over-reliance on the United States and increasingly seek greater defense and economic independence.
However, Europeans are aware that achieving defense independence faces significant obstacles due to historically low military spending and reliance on NATO's established defense system. While most NATO members have increased defense budgets under pressure from Trump, many remain unable to replicate the security NATO provides.
European leaders, including Macron, now advocate for faster rearmament to reduce reliance on the US, with "strategic autonomy" gaining traction even in countries previously staunchly committed to transatlantic ties, such as Germany and Denmark. EU officials, including High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, have called for intensified defense efforts within NATO, warning that Trump "shook the transatlantic relationship to its core" and that Europe must "adapt to the new reality." Borrell stressed that these shifts are structural, not temporary, and Europe must assume greater responsibility for its defense.
The crisis has also heightened concerns over trade and economic dependence, as US tariffs imposed under Trump have disrupted long-standing trade rules. Brussels has signaled its intent to diversify markets, strengthen regulatory cooperation, and develop new industrial partnerships. The EU aims to reduce reliance on the US in strategic sectors, including defense, technology, energy, and payment systems.
Recent practical steps by EU countries include banning government use of U.S. communication platforms, accelerating energy supplier diversification, and negotiating new trade agreements. The EU has signed deals with Mercosur in Latin America and India, and is reviving stalled negotiations with Australia.
Europe's leaders now acknowledge that transatlantic relations "will not return to pre-Trump norms" and see the need to redefine Europe's role in the new international order, not merely as a US partner but as an independent power capable of safeguarding its security and economic interests.
The Greenland issue, in particular, underscores strategic sensitivities. The island's location between North America and the Arctic makes it key for early-warning systems against missile threats. Trump cited Russian and Chinese presence and asserted that US control over Greenland is necessary for national defense. Greenland currently hosts over 100 US troops at a base established during World War II.
Although Trump last month scaled back threats to seize Greenland, agreeing instead on a "framework understanding" with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to enhance US influence, a trilateral working group of the US, Denmark, and Greenland was formed to discuss Arctic security concerns. Details remain limited, and Greenland's Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeld said Saturday that while talks are positive, they have not yet reached the desired level, and "it is too early to predict the outcome." Europe thus finds itself balancing the continuing need for US partnership, particularly amid the Russia-Ukraine war, with growing doubts about the reliability of that alliance. This has created an unprecedented existential concern since World War II, with recognition that the era of complete strategic dependence on the US may be drawing to a close. (end) arn.aa