20 January 2026 marks the first anniversary of Donald Trump’s return to the White House—a return that has profoundly reshaped American politics and, more broadly, the global geopolitical landscape. In the space of a year, his foreign policy has put long-standing U.S. commitments to the test, challenging key pillars of the transatlantic relationship, from trade and security to international norms and institutions. These developments have been closely watched with growing concern by Europeans and their partners.

Although Trump did not end the war in Ukraine within his first hundred days in office, his administration has nevertheless introduced significant breaks in relations with Europe and in the United States’ commitment to international law, as illustrated by recent developments in Venezuela and tensions surrounding Greenland. Against this backdrop, the idea of a more autonomous Europe has once again moved to the forefront of the debate, despite the persistent challenges Europeans face in forging a common response.

Gilles Gressani is the Director of Le Grand Continent and President of the Groupe d’études géopolitiques at the École normale supérieure (ENS).