The United States is Europe’s closest and most important strategic ally and partner. During a time of heightened geopolitical tensions, the transatlantic relationship remains indispensable.

President Donald Trump’s first term in office was characterised by unpredictability and a discrepancy between what he said and what his administration did. From what we have seen in the first two weeks of his second term, he has not changed his political style, nor his agenda.

However, neither the United States nor the European Union can navigate the current global upheavals alone. Thus, we are well-advised to proactively explore shared interests and opportunities for transatlantic cooperation. Europe should act with unity, determination, and a clear strategy to ensure we remain a strong and reliable partner to the U.S.

A priority in the coming months, as the Trump administration takes shape, should be the rapid enhancement of our strategic, operational, and defence capabilities. As Europeans, we continue to rely heavily on the U.S. across critical security and defence areas, including intelligence, surveillance, and advanced systems essential for real-time military decision-making. Rather than maintaining this dependency, Europe should focus on building the military capacity it has long lacked while expanding its contributions to NATO. The goal must be to remain firmly transatlantic while also becoming more strategically self-reliant.

Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine further underscores the need for a stronger Europe. During his campaign for the White House, Trump often floated the idea of a “quick deal” to resolve the war. The question remains: what would such a deal look like? If Ukraine’s sovereignty were compromised, thereby strengthening Russia, it would be a catastrophe for Ukraine and a significant strategic mistake with far-reaching consequences for Europe and the world.

A dictated peace favouring Russia must not be allowed. Europe must be prepared to provide Kyiv with advanced weapons systems, financial assistance, and robust security guarantees. Supporting Ukraine’s defence and its path toward EU membership is both a moral obligation and a strategic necessity for Europe.

The European Union should also address Trump’s transactional political style by engaging constructively. Rather than falling into a reflexive policy of rejection, European leaders should make pragmatic offers on issues such as defence spending, arms investments, and increased imports of U.S. natural gas. The EU-U.S. Trade and Technology Council provides an additional platform for cooperation on shared priorities, including artificial intelligence and digital governance.

In the end, Europeans would be well advised to adopt an even more global perspective. While the U.S. continues to view China as a priority, Europe cannot ignore the broader implications of Beijing’s actions, particularly its support for Russia’s war against Ukraine. The EU should take the lead on addressing challenges such as climate change, safeguarding democracy, and enhancing economic resilience. By doing so, we can position ourselves as a vital partner to the U.S. while simultaneously reinforcing our own strategic autonomy.

President Trump’s second term is an opportunity for Europe to act decisively and reduce our dependence on the U.S. By strengthening our capabilities and adopting a pragmatic approach, we have a chance to ensure stability, security, and mutual benefit for both sides in an increasingly uncertain world.