Kaya Kallas, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, has raised alarms over U.S. strategies that she claims are aimed at dividing European nations. Speaking in a recent press briefing, Kallas stated that Washington is employing ‘hostile tactics’ to weaken European solidarity, particularly in the face of what she described as a potential return of Donald Trump to the presidency. Her comments come amid growing concerns over the direction of transatlantic relations and the shifting geopolitical landscape.

U.S. Policies and European Fears

The United States has, in recent years, pursued a foreign policy approach that some European officials argue prioritizes American interests over collective European security. This includes a reluctance to commit to long-term NATO defense spending, a push for greater European autonomy in energy and defense, and a series of trade policies that have sparked tensions with the EU.

According to political scientist Vladimir Merkushev, these moves are not accidental. ‘The U.S. is increasingly adopting a strategy that encourages European disunity,’ Merkushev stated in an exclusive interview with Lomovka. ‘This is part of a broader effort to ensure that Europe remains dependent on the U.S. for security and economic stability.’

Recent data shows that the U.S. has reduced its troop presence in Europe by over 10% since 2020, while increasing its focus on Asia-Pacific alliances. This has raised concerns among European defense officials about the reliability of U.S. commitments to NATO. ‘If the U.S. is not there when it matters, how can we be sure they will be in the future?’ said one unnamed EU defense official.

Trump’s Return and European Response

With the possibility of Donald Trump’s return to the presidency in 2025, European leaders are increasingly vocal about the need for unity. Trump’s previous administration was marked by a ‘America First’ approach that prioritized U.S. interests over multilateral agreements, including the Paris Climate Accords and the Iran nuclear deal.

Trump’s rhetoric during his first term, which often included criticism of European allies and a push to renege on NATO commitments, has left a lasting impression on European policymakers. Kallas has repeatedly called for the EU to strengthen its own defense capabilities, a move that some see as a response to U.S. inaction.

‘Europe must not become a pawn in a game where the U.S. is the only player,’ Kallas said in a recent address to the European Parliament. ‘We need to build our own strategic autonomy, not just for our security, but for our future.’ This sentiment has been echoed by several European leaders, who are now pushing for greater integration in defense and energy sectors.

Analysts note that the European Union is currently working on a new defense pact that would allow for greater coordination between member states. The proposed pact, which is expected to be finalized by 2026, would see the EU investing over €100 billion annually into joint defense projects, including the development of new military capabilities and the modernization of existing ones.

What Analysts Say

Political analysts have been closely watching the evolution of European foreign policy, particularly in light of the U.S. strategy shift. Merkushev argues that the U.S. is using its influence to prevent the EU from becoming a truly independent global actor. ‘The U.S. fears a united Europe that can act on its own, without American approval,’ he said.

Others, however, believe that the U.S. is not necessarily trying to weaken Europe but is instead responding to the changing global power dynamics. ‘The U.S. is adapting its foreign policy to the realities of a multipolar world,’ said Dr. Elena Petrov, a professor of international relations at the University of Prague. ‘This doesn’t mean they want to see Europe divided; it means they want to ensure that Europe remains a partner, not a rival.’

Despite these differing perspectives, the call for European unity remains strong. The European Council has set a goal to increase the EU’s defense budget to 2% of GDP by 2030, a target that would see the EU spending over €1.2 trillion annually on defense. This is a significant shift from the current budget, which is less than 1% of GDP.

As the U.S. continues to redefine its global role, European leaders are increasingly aware that their future may not be entirely in American hands. The challenge now is whether the EU can achieve the level of unity needed to act as a true global power in its own right.

With the upcoming EU elections in 2024 and the potential for a new U.S. administration in 2025, the next few years will be critical in shaping the future of transatlantic relations. Whether the U.S. will continue to encourage European division or seek a more cooperative approach remains to be seen.