US-Europe Alliance at 'Lowest Moment,' Barroso Warns

The relationship between Europe and the United States has hit its "lowest moment" since the founding of NATO, according to former European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso. He argues that Washington's disruptive diplomatic strategy is compelling traditional allies to fundamentally re-examine the transatlantic partnership.

"There are some doubts about the relationship with the United States," Barroso, who also served as Portugal's prime minister, stated in a recent interview. He highlighted a growing loss of trust that affects not only the European Union but also the United Kingdom.

A "Rupture Phase" in Transatlantic Trust

According to Barroso, the historic alliance, once rooted in shared "democratic values," is increasingly driven by transactional interests. He described the current situation as a "rupture phase," creating uncertainty about the future direction of the relationship.

This shift has been accelerated by U.S. President Donald Trump's push to acquire Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark. The approach, which included threats of military action and higher tariffs on European goods, has significantly damaged confidence in American leadership among European officials and the public.

Barroso characterized Trump as "the great disruptor," noting he is sometimes "more tough with allies and friends, than with opponents."

U.S. President Donald Trump meets with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, a discussion that highlighted rising tensions over Washington's diplomatic strategy.

The Greenland Dispute as a Flashpoint

While President Trump eventually walked back threats of military force and tariffs intended to pressure European nations, his goal of controlling the Arctic territory remains.

Following a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump claimed on social media that "the framework of a future deal" on Greenland was in place, offering no further details. However, Rutte later clarified that the issue of Greenland's ownership was not discussed during their talks.

Survey Data Shows a Sharp Decline in Confidence

The erosion of trust is reflected in recent polling. A November survey by the European Council on Foreign Relations found that only 16% of Europeans still view the U.S. as an ally that shares their values, a drop from 21% in 2024. More strikingly, 20% now consider the U.S. a rival or an enemy.

This collapse in confidence was particularly stark in the U.K., where the share of citizens viewing the U.S. as a key ally fell from 37% to 25% in just one year.

Europe's Pivot Toward Strategic Sovereignty

In response to pressure from the Trump administration over defense spending, European leaders have accelerated efforts to achieve "European sovereignty." Barroso believes this will lead to a fundamental shift within the security alliance.

"If you want to keep NATO, it will be a more Europeanized NATO," he said, emphasizing that Europe must prioritize its own defense capabilities rather than relying solely on the United States.

At last year's NATO Summit in The Hague, member states committed to investing 5% of their economic output in defense and security by 2035, a decision that followed months of pressure from Washington.

NATO's Evolving Strength

Despite the internal friction, Barroso noted that NATO has grown stronger since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The alliance has expanded to include Sweden and Finland, bringing it operationally closer to Russia's border. NATO has also significantly increased its military presence along its eastern flank.

While pessimistic about the current state of U.S.-Europe relations, Barroso cautioned against declaring the end of the transatlantic alliance. He affirmed that the United States remains a crucial partner for Europe's overall security.