The EU-US relationship, between security dependence and "dangerous summits" with Russia

Brussels, December 2, 2025 The Committee on Foreign Affairs adopted a defining report for the future of transatlantic relations, with 46 votes in favor, 9 against, and 8 abstentions. The document highlights a change of tone in Brussels: the EU recognizes the indispensable role of the US in NATO, but firmly rejects attempts by the American administration to legitimize Russia's actions through unilateral diplomacy or to impose unfair trade conditions.

In short

MEPs warn that US initiatives to discuss with Russia without EU involvement risk legitimizing the illegal war; peace must be "just," not imposed.

Explicit request for the maintenance of the American military presence on the Eastern Flank, alongside an increase in European defense spending.

The post-Turnberry agreements are criticized as being "neither reciprocal nor fair"; the removal of tariff barriers for steel and aluminum is requested.

The document expresses deep concern regarding certain initiatives of the US administration, specifically mentioning the "Alaska Summit." MEPs fear that such moves could validate Russian aggression. The message from Brussels is clear: both Ukraine and the EU must be "fully involved" in any discussion about the future of continental security.

In military terms, the report acknowledges that American intelligence and troops are vital, especially on the Eastern Flank, but emphasizes the need for a "fair burden-sharing." Europe must build a credible pillar within NATO, not just consume American security.

The failure at Turnberry The analysis of economic relations is marked by disappointment. The report refers to the meeting at Turnberry on July 27, 2025, and the joint statement from August, which MEPs describe as "neither reciprocal, nor fair, nor balanced." The text calls on the European Commission and the US administration for concrete steps to eliminate tariffs on EU steel and aluminum exports. Furthermore, it emphasizes "regulatory autonomy": Brussels warns Washington to respect the sovereign decisions of the EU and not to attempt to influence European internal standards through trade pressures.

Rapporteur Michał Szczerba (EPP, Poland) summarized the state of affairs: the recent EU-US relationship has become an exercise in "managing uncertainty." Although no other region is as economically interconnected, the EU must prepare for various scenarios, including those in which the US radically changes its foreign policy. The goal remains deepened cooperation, but conditioned on mutual respect and Europe's ability to "bear its own weight." The report is set to be voted on in one of the upcoming plenary sessions.

https://2eu.brussels/articol/stiri/relatia-ue-sua-intre-dependenta-de-securitate-si-summit-uri-periculoase-cu-rusia