Can Europe reduce its dependence on the US and at what cost?

Al JazeeraEN 1 min read 100% complete February 19, 2026 at 11:04 AM

AI Summary

short article 1 min

In February 2026, against a backdrop of escalating tensions caused by US President Trump's tariffs, Greenland pursuit, and demands for increased European defense spending, European leaders are actively seeking to lessen their reliance on the United States. The US-Europe alliance is being tested as European leaders fear the end of US-led security protections. Despite US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's assurances at the Munich Security Conference that the US is not abandoning its allies, many European leaders expressed the need for Europe to become more self-sufficient in both military and economic terms. This shift is driven by a perceived need for Europe to secure its own interests amidst growing uncertainty about the future of transatlantic relations.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Greenland 50% Marco Rubio 60% Munich Security Conference 60% European Union 70% United States ×380% Donald Trump ×290% Europe ×390%

Keywords

us-europe alliance 90% european dependence 80% defence spending 70% tariffs 70% economic dependence 60% military dependence 60% security protections 60% donald trump 50% munich security conference 50%