Europe’s relationship with the United States has faced challenges as U.S. President Donald Trump has questioned NATO’s relevance and called on allies to increase their defense spending. The president has indicated he is considering withdrawing the United States from NATO, citing perceived imbalances in the alliance.
NATO Concerns and U.S. Position
Trump told Reuters he is “absolutely” considering withdrawing the United States from NATO after criticizing the alliance and its role in ongoing conflicts. He expressed frustration with the level of support received from allies, stating, “They haven’t been friends when we needed them,” and characterizing the relationship as “a one-way street.”
UK’s Stance on NATO
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer defended NATO, calling it “the single most effective military alliance the world has ever seen” and affirming the UK’s full commitment to the alliance, stating it has “kept us safe for many decades.”
UK Position on Israel-Iran Conflict
Regarding the Israel–Iran conflict, Starmer stated that Britain would not participate, despite supporting a 30-nation coalition aimed at securing shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and granting the United States access to its bases. “This is not our war,” Starmer said. “We will not be drawn into the conflict.”
Middle East crisis exposes structural vulnerabilities
The Iran conflict and Tehran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz have disrupted critical energy corridors, highlighting Europe’s continued reliance on Middle Eastern supply routes.
Gulf allies of the United States, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, have urged President Trump to maintain pressure on Iran, arguing that Tehran has not been sufficiently weakened by the recent U.S.-led bombing campaign, according to U.S., Gulf and Israeli officials.
According to Arab News, the initial European response to the crisis was characterized by caution and a preference for avoiding direct involvement. The report suggests that Europe’s subsequent actions were driven more by necessity than by choice, stepping forward because they “have to,” not because they “chose to.”
Energy shocks accelerate Africa pivot
With traditional supply routes facing disruption, Africa is emerging as a crucial alternative for Europe’s energy security.
Approximately 40 percent of Europe’s jet fuel has historically travelled through the Strait of Hormuz, and current disruptions have pushed north-west European prices to $1,744 per tonne, nearly double pre-war levels.
Shipments to Asia and Europe from key West African producers Angola and Nigeria are projected to increase by around 200,000 barrels per day to 3.72 million bpd, according to Kpler.
Italy has strengthened gas cooperation with Algeria, with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni confirming that over 30% of its natural gas demand is now supplied by the North African country. Nigeria currently provides over half of Portugal’s LNG imports.
The shift is also evident in refined fuel markets, with cargoes from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery reaching European ports. An industry source at the refinery in Lagos stated, “most of the European countries have been our main buyers.”
A major shipment is en route to Amsterdam, Netherlands, with others arriving in Rotterdam and Milford Haven in the United Kingdom, indicating strong demand amid a tightening Jet A1 market.
From aid to interest-driven engagement
Europe is transitioning its approach to Africa, moving away from traditional aid models towards partnerships based on economic and security interests, Euronews reported.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas visited Nigeria and Ghana, announcing a €288 million package focused on healthcare, agriculture, finance, migration, and digital infrastructure.
In Ghana, she signed the first EU-Ghana Security and Defence Partnership. “This partnership allows us to work more closely in areas that matter for the security of our citizens, both in Europe and Ghana,” Kallas said.
The European Union has committed over €1 billion through the European Peace Facility and deployed 12 civilian and military missions to support African-led initiatives.
Speaking in Brussels, Younous Omarjee, Vice President of the European Parliament, stated, “I believe that we must today revise our policy with African countries and move away from this development aid policy, which is outdated and which does not draw the consequences of concrete realities.”
He added: “Because development and prosperity on the African continent determines development and prosperity in Europe. So we have interests in Africa, and African countries have interests and have an interest in their partnership with Europe.”
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