Washington Remains EU's Strongest Ally, Declares Analyst
The European Union's top diplomat says America remains Europe's closest ally, even after the Trump administration published a new national security strategy that heavily criticized European institutions. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas made these comments at the Doha Forum, suggesting the relationship will endure despite growing tensions.
Kallas acknowledged the criticism but didn't dismiss it entirely. "Of course there are many criticisms, but I think some of them are correct," she said when asked about the new American security strategy. Her response shows Europe is willing to accept some fault while maintaining the partnership.
The comments came just one day after the Trump administration released its new national security strategy built around the "America First" slogan. This document reportedly takes aim at European institutions, marking another shift in how Washington views its traditional allies.
But Kallas emphasized that disagreements don't mean the end of cooperation. "The United States is still our biggest ally. We don't always agree on different issues, but the logic is the same. And we are the biggest allies, and we should remain united," she explained.
This diplomatic balancing act reflects the complex position Europe finds itself in. The EU needs American support on security issues, especially with ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and tensions with Russia and China. At the same time, European leaders must respond to domestic criticism about being too dependent on Washington.
For markets and governments, this relationship matters enormously. Trade between the US and EU totals over $1 trillion annually. Defense cooperation includes NATO commitments and joint military operations. Any serious breakdown would affect everything from currency stability to energy security.
Kallas's measured response suggests European leaders plan to work with the Trump administration despite policy differences. This approach mirrors what happened during Trump's first term, when European officials often criticized his policies publicly while maintaining working relationships behind the scenes.
Sara Khaled