The U.S. has a vested interest in European success, but its relationship must be as a partner instead of a master that has underwritten peace and prosperity for decades. While the road to a U.K. trade deal remains easier than with other European allies, the message to the entire continent is clear: relationships must be reciprocal, and the era of freeloading is over.
Rather than chasing a desperate alliance with Trump’s America, Europe must unite amid economic and geopolitical instability. Trump’s erratic tariffs prove the U.S. is an unreliable partner, meaning EU-U.K. cooperation is the continent's best option. Together, Europe has the economic strength to finally stand up to Washington.