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US-Europe relations

With Donald Trump as US president, the historic trans-Atlantic ties between the United States and Europe are shifting.

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European Council President Antonio Costa, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrive for an EU summit at the European Council building in Brussels, March 6, 2025.

European Council President Antonio Costa, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrive for an EU summit at the European Council building in Brussels, March 6, 2025.

EU leaders set out to 'rearm' amid US realignment

European leaders have held crisis talks in the wake of the US pivot away from its transatlantic partners.

German Chancellor Olaf Schulz discussing with military officers during a recent visit to the Jagel air force base

German Chancellor Olaf Schulz discussing with military officers during a recent visit to the Jagel air force base

What would it cost Europe to defend itself without US help?

Trump's policies have reignited the longstanding issue of European rearmament and its impact on the EU economy.

Donald Trump gestures and speaks from the podium during his address to Congress on March 4, 2025

Donald Trump gestures and speaks from the podium during his address to Congress on March 4, 2025

Trump talks tough but Congress is beset by divisions

Donald Trump boasts to Congress that he is on the right path — but he is also creating a deeply divided country.

A military honor guard marches in Berlin

A military honor guard marches in Berlin

EU leaders seek security within the bloc, without the US

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's €800 billion "ReArm Europe" plan will dominate EU summit.

President Donald Trump raises a fist as he addresses a joint session of Congress on March 4, 2025, in Washington

President Donald Trump raises a fist as he addresses a joint session of Congress on March 4, 2025, in Washington

Fact check: Where was Trump wrong in his Congress speech?

In his speech to Congress, Donald Trump delivered a blistering attack. We reviewed a key statement on Ukraine.

Democratic Reprepresentative Al Green from Texas shouts and gestures a walking stick towards US President Donald Trump as the latter addresses a joint session of Congress at the US Capitol on March 04, 2025 in Washington, DC.

Democratic Reprepresentative Al Green from Texas shouts and gestures a walking stick towards US President Donald Trump as the latter addresses a joint session of Congress at the US Capitol on March 04, 2025 in Washington, DC.

US Democrats protest, heckle Trump during speech to Congress

During Donald Trump's speech to Congress, some Democrats held up signs reading "False" and "No Kings Live Here."

A Ukrainian serviceman holds a Javelin during a large-scale military exercise

A Ukrainian serviceman holds a Javelin during a large-scale military exercise

How will the end of US military aid affect Ukraine?

Donald Trump is putting all US military aid for Kyiv on hold. This will hit Ukraine hard, especially its air defense.

24.02.2025 Ukraine supporters display a large Ukrainian flag as they gather to mark the third anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, near Berlin's Brandenburg Gate, in Berlin

24.02.2025 Ukraine supporters display a large Ukrainian flag as they gather to mark the third anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, near Berlin's Brandenburg Gate, in Berlin

Germany reviews US ties after Zelenskyy-Trump clash

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy's spat with US President Trump has left Germany deeply concerned over Europe's security.

A statue of justicia the goddess of law

A statue of justicia the goddess of law

Trump tariffs: Can US be punished for breaking trade laws?

Experts say Donald Trump's trade policy is violating existing trade agreements. So how is he able to get away with it?

Soliders carrying weapons run over a dry, grassy field

Soliders carrying weapons run over a dry, grassy field

Is Europe ready to defend itself if the US cuts support?

Defense spending, manpower, military equipment, and weapons — DW examines Europe's current defense capabilities.

Attendees of a summit on ending the war in Ukraine, hosted by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, pose for a family photograph at Lancaster House in central London, United Kingdom.

Attendees of a summit on ending the war in Ukraine, hosted by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, pose for a family photograph at Lancaster House in central London, United Kingdom.

London summit: 'Coalition of the willing' to backup Ukraine

In London, British PM Keir Starmer has hosted a summit with leaders from Europe and Canada on ending the war in Ukraine.

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer, right, and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, left, shake hands during a meeting at 10 Downing Street in London, England, Saturday, March 1, 2025.

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer, right, and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, left, shake hands during a meeting at 10 Downing Street in London, England, Saturday, March 1, 2025.

Europe swiftly responds to shifts in US foreign policy

Amid Trump's threat to cut US support, Europe reaffirms backing for Ukraine while navigating a new transatlantic era.

Zelenskyy, Trump, and Vance engaged in an ugly clash in the White House on Friday

Zelenskyy, Trump, and Vance engaged in an ugly clash in the White House on Friday

Trump-Zelenskyy White House fight: Ukrainian reactions

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy's acrimonious row with US President Trump has drawn a mixed reaction in Ukraine.

Former national security adviser in the first Trump administration, John Bolton, speaks with DW

Former national security adviser in the first Trump administration, John Bolton, speaks with DW

Bolton: European independence from US 'a mistake'

John Bolton, Trump's former national security advisor, warned Europeans not to lose confidence in NATO prematurely.

A Fotex supermarket, customers entering or looking at products displayed outside

A Fotex supermarket, customers entering or looking at products displayed outside

Danish grocery chain to distinguish European from US goods

A Danish supermarket chain says it is promoting European products, not boycotting US ones.

Friedrich Merz smiling, standing in front of an election campaign poster on election night 2025

Friedrich Merz smiling, standing in front of an election campaign poster on election night 2025

Trump, Merz and the future of the US-German friendship

Conservative Merz will likely lead Germany's next government. He's a transatlanticist but no fan of US President Trump.

How Trump's foreign policy is impacting Polish-US relations

President Donald Trump's upending of US policy toward Ukraine and Russia is testing Poland's relationship with the US.

General view taken as the leader of Germany's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Friedrich Merz jumps on stage to address a press conference

General view taken as the leader of Germany's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Friedrich Merz jumps on stage to address a press conference

Europe turns to Germany's Merz for leadership and stability

Germans have backed conservative Friedrich Merz to lead Germany, and by extension Europe. Can he rise to expectations?

US and German flag

US and German flag

Germany grapples with Trump's foreign policy shifts

Within days, the new US administration has upended transatlantic relations and wrong-footed German politicians.

Teaser Berlin Briefing NEU

Teaser Berlin Briefing NEU

MSC 2: Does the US still have to figure out Russia/Ukraine?

At a memorable Munich Security Conference, US Vice President JD Vance lectured the Europeans on what democracy should really mean, questioning its institutions. In this special edition from Munich, host Michaela Küfner breaks down the messages from MSC 2025 together with Jackson Janes (German Marshall Fund), Peter R. Neumann (King's College London) and DW's Brussels correspondent Teri Schultz.

Elysee palace

Elysee palace

Few answers to US-Russia riddle after Paris crisis talks

European leaders are "ready" to provide security guarantees for Ukraine — "depending on the level of Amercian support."

A file photo of Lithuania's President Gitanas Nauseda

A file photo of Lithuania's President Gitanas Nauseda

Nauseda: 'Transatlantic bond will remain strong'

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda comments on the future of the US-EU relationship, now that Donald Trump is back.

Flags of the US and EU in the overlap as they wave in the breeze

Flags of the US and EU in the overlap as they wave in the breeze

Trans-Atlantic turning point: Donald Trump tests EU-US ties

Even as the EU projects economic independence from the United States, it remains dependent on US military protection.

Donald Trump and Olaf Scholz in Hamburg during the G20 Summit in 2017

Donald Trump and Olaf Scholz in Hamburg during the G20 Summit in 2017

Scholz says US ties 'vital' ahead of Trump inauguration

Scholz called the US his country's closest ally and said it was crucial to have stable relations.

An electronic billboard at a junction in Belgrade in November 2024. It features an image of Donald Trump with his fist raised. The caption reads "Congratulations! Trump, the Serb"

An electronic billboard at a junction in Belgrade in November 2024. It features an image of Donald Trump with his fist raised. The caption reads "Congratulations! Trump, the Serb"

Serbia and US: The next great trans-Atlantic friendship?

As Donald Trump's inauguration approaches, Serbian officials anticipate a closer relationship between the countries.

Olaf Scholz in front of the Capitol building in Washington

Olaf Scholz in front of the Capitol building in Washington

Trump's election victory is a nightmare for Germany

The German government is bracing itself for a difficult relationship — a scenario for which it is not really prepared.

Donald Trump and Mark Rutte

Donald Trump and Mark Rutte

With Trump's US election win, is Europe now on its own?

Europe's bracing for a wild ride regarding transatlantic ties. Could this speed up efforts for a more united EU?

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier applauds US President Joe Biden after awarding him Germany's Grand Cross special class of the Order of Merit.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier applauds US President Joe Biden after awarding him Germany's Grand Cross special class of the Order of Merit.

Will Joe Biden be the last trans-Atlantic US president?

During his visit to Germany, US President Joe Biden stressed the importance of the German-US relationship.

Scholz and Biden in the White House during a visit in 2023

Scholz and Biden in the White House during a visit in 2023

German Chancellor Scholz on a mission to Washington

The prospect of Donald Trump's possible re-election has cast doubt over the US' continued support for Ukraine.

German Ambassador to the US Emily Haber smiles during an interview with DW

German Ambassador to the US Emily Haber smiles during an interview with DW

German-US ties must 'adjust to the realities of our time'

Russia's war in Ukraine will drive the future of the ties between Germany and the US, Ambassador Emily Haber told DW.

Joe Biden und Olaf Scholz sitting at a desk smiling into the cameras during a G7 meeting in 2022

Joe Biden und Olaf Scholz sitting at a desk smiling into the cameras during a G7 meeting in 2022

War in Ukraine: A stress test for US-German relations

The back-and-forth on weapons deliveries to Ukraine has put a new spin on the US-German relationship.

From left, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, European Commission Executive Vice President Margrethe Vestager and European Union Commission Executive Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis at the talks Monday

From left, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, European Commission Executive Vice President Margrethe Vestager and European Union Commission Executive Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis at the talks Monday

US sees 'momentum' in EU talks amid tensions over subsidies

Massive US subsidies for American companies have sparked concerns in Europe, as the EU views them as anti-competitive.

Thorsten Benner

Thorsten Benner

Opinion: US vote a wake-up call for trans-Atlantic ties

Thorsten Benner

When it comes to US democratic dysfunction Europeans should follow the motto: Hope for the best, prepare for the worst.

Two people using fist bumps to greet each other

Two people using fist bumps to greet each other

Germany's Olaf Scholz meets US Speaker Nancy Pelosi

Nancy Pelosi's meeting with Olaf Scholz will be brief, but looks to cover a lot of ground.

US President Joe Biden speaking to a smiling German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and tapping himo on the shoulder during a European Union leaders summit amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, at the EU headquarters in Brussels, Belgium March 24, 2022

US President Joe Biden speaking to a smiling German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and tapping himo on the shoulder during a European Union leaders summit amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, at the EU headquarters in Brussels, Belgium March 24, 2022

War in Ukraine boosts US-German relations

Russia's war on Ukraine has unified the Western alliance, with relations between the US and Germany at the forefront.

Leaders of the world's largest economies meet in Brussels to address the war in Ukraine

Leaders of the world's largest economies meet in Brussels to address the war in Ukraine

NATO, G7, EU leaders show unity

Western leaders met in Brussels to show support for Ukraine — without getting involved in an all-out war with Russia.

EU and US flags superimposed on shipping containers

EU and US flags superimposed on shipping containers

German minister calls for new EU-US trade deal — report

Finance Minister Christian Lindner said Russia's invasion of Ukraine has made transatlantic trade ties more critical.

Ines Pohl

Ines Pohl

US president opts to prioritize trans-Atlantic ties

DW's Ines Pohl says Biden deserves respect for not putting America first.

MSC 2022 - Kamala Harris and Olaf Scholz

MSC 2022 - Kamala Harris and Olaf Scholz

Munich meeting boosts trans-Atlantic ties for Germany

The Munich Security Conference gave Germany a chance to underline its commitment to trans-Atlantic alliances.

United States President Joe Biden, right, and Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany, left, conduct a joint press conference in the East Room of the White House

United States President Joe Biden, right, and Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany, left, conduct a joint press conference in the East Room of the White House

What can the US expect from Germany?

As Russian forces mass on Ukraine's border, the White House has sharpened its rhetoric. Oliver Sallet reports.

Olaf Scholz giving press statement in Washington DC

Olaf Scholz giving press statement in Washington DC

Mr. Scholz goes to Washington

Germany and the US seem to differ on Ukraine. But Biden and Scholz have much in common.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock followed by photographers

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock followed by photographers

Germany's Baerbock warns of Russian threat at first US trip

Germany's Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock also said Iran squandered much trust over the nuclear deal.

Designated German Chancellor Olaf Scholz attends a news conference after the signing of the coalition agreement with two other parties

Designated German Chancellor Olaf Scholz attends a news conference after the signing of the coalition agreement with two other parties

Scholz pushes for stronger EU, issues warning to Russia

Germany's Olaf Scholz has sent a strong signal about where his new government's foreign policy priorities lie.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen exits the West Wing of the White House after meeting with US President Joe Biden

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen exits the West Wing of the White House after meeting with US President Joe Biden

EU and US accuse Belarus of 'hybrid attack'

"It is important that Lukashenko understands that [this] behavior comes with a price," the EU executive body chief said.

DW Podcast | Inside Europe | provisorisch f ROAD

DW Podcast | Inside Europe | provisorisch f ROAD

Inside Europe 14.10.2021

Italy’s Green Pass leaves protesters seeing red - Can the EU and the US make up? - How much does the EU know about the masked men patrolling its borders? - Post Brexit UK is running out of gas - Spanish chambermaids to launch a hotel app - LEGO and the wisdom of gendering building blocks - A community in the shadow of a major Italian steel factory - A generous helping of Norwegian music and more

European, US and German flags

European, US and German flags

Will a new government change US-German relations?

As the US reconsiders its role as the global policeman, the new German government will have to adapt.

DW Merkel’s last dance Teaser | Podcast

DW Merkel’s last dance Teaser | Podcast

George W. Bush reflects on Merkel - Interview (E09)

America's 43rd President invited DW to his family's summer house in Maine to talk about "his friend" Angela Merkel.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and US President Joe Biden

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and US President Joe Biden

Angela Merkel meets Joe Biden: The message is harmony

Both leaders are keen to bolster ties between their countries. But there are also points of contention.

Joe Biden, Angela Merkel and adviser Jan Hecker attend a bilateral meeting during a G7 summit

Joe Biden, Angela Merkel and adviser Jan Hecker attend a bilateral meeting during a G7 summit

Germans see better ties with Biden's US: poll

Germans' view of the United States has improved since Joe Biden succeeded Donald Trump, a survey found.

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Trans-Atlantic ties on the mend?

Simone Menne from AmCham Germany looks into how fast trans-Atlantic trade disputes could be resolved on Biden's watch.