As heavy snow blanketed Brussels this week, officials from embassies and European institutions emerged from their holiday slumber to confront a startling political landscape. The recent actions taken by former President Donald Trump to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro have left some of the EU’s top officials in stunned silence, akin to an icy winter breeze.
Trump’s assertion, “I don’t need international law,” made during an interview with the New York Times, raises profound concerns regarding the future of global agreements, particularly for the European Union, which stands as a cornerstone for international legislation. Each year, the EU produces over 2,000 directives, acts, and regulations that are pivotal for the societal and economic fabric of its 27 member states.
EU’s legislative authority at risk
In a world increasingly dominated by American interests that disregard the rule of law, the EU risks becoming an outdated institution. The first week of 2026 has once again highlighted the paralysis of Europe’s leadership, revealing their inability to effectively respond to an American president who claims that only his personal sense of “morality” can limit his actions.
“It’s a very important moment,” said a diplomat from a European country, who requested anonymity to speak candidly. “There had been a tendency in European media to make fun of Trump and his people and present them as stupid and sometimes even as madmen. I think that’s wrong. They’re highly capable.”
This diplomat articulated a clear mission: to advance the interests of the U.S. and the Trump administration, regardless of the consequences for traditional alliances. The current White House administration appears unconcerned with maintaining its status as a reliable ally to Europe, willing to criticize, threaten, and even undermine the old continent.
Challenges in addressing transatlantic relations
As Trump enters his second term, European leaders have yet to engage in a formal strategic discussion regarding America’s increasing disengagement from its European allies. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine complicates this situation, with European nations still heavily reliant on NATO for security while simultaneously needing U.S. support to facilitate a stable resolution in Ukraine.
French President Emmanuel Macron has been vocal about these challenges, cautioning this week that the U.S. seems intent on restructuring global power dynamics into distinct spheres of influence. A recent gathering of allies focused on Ukraine’s support moved closer to formulating a plan where the U.S. would provide military assurances for any peace agreement. However, the joint statement from over 30 nations lacked clarity on the American role and did not include signatures from Trump’s representatives, leaving uncertainties in its wake.
Moreover, alienating Trump during this delicate moment could prove detrimental for Ukraine’s allies within the EU and beyond. Without open discussions about the shifting landscape of Western alliances, European leaders may struggle to garner the necessary political support to pivot foreign policy away from reliance on the U.S. and NATO.
“The United States is an established power that is gradually turning away from some of its allies and breaking free from the international rules that it used to promote,” Macron stated in his annual address.
Macron emphasized the necessity for Europe to reject any form of “new colonialism” and to invest in the continent’s “strategic autonomy.” Yet, with Macron’s declining popularity and a fragmented parliament in France, his influence over EU policymaking has waned, making it challenging for him to steer Europe away from American dominance.
Even if Trump were to reconsider his stance on various issues, such as Greenland or troop commitments in Ukraine, doubts remain about the durability of any agreements. As one diplomat noted, “At the end of the day, you have no guarantees that things will work out.”
The implications of Trump’s disregard for international norms extend beyond European borders. As humanitarian crises unfold in regions like Gaza, the EU finds itself sidelined despite being a significant aid contributor. Observing from a distance, EU leaders have offered little more than diplomatic niceties, questioning their relevance in global affairs.
A senior diplomat remarked, “Europe has lost its way and I’m not sure it has a role to play anywhere in the world, other than in Ukraine.” This sentiment reflects a broader concern about the EU’s fragmented foreign policy approach, characterized by a lack of unified leadership. Different EU leaders have issued individual responses to Trump’s actions, rather than presenting a cohesive front.
As the international order transforms, the EU’s ability to navigate these changes is crucial. Yet, uncertainty looms over Europe’s future position in a world increasingly shaped by values that diverge from its traditional principles.