· 3 min read
illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Wall Street Journal or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: In a notable shift, European leaders have adapted their diplomatic approach to align more closely with former President Donald Trump’s style as he re-emerges as a central figure in U.S. foreign policy
• Despite past frictions, EU leaders — including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen — are actively engaging Trump, employing flattery and concessions to preserve the transatlantic alliance amid high-stakes talks on Ukraine
🔭 The context: During his first term, Trump frequently criticized NATO, questioned the EU’s intentions, and imposed tariffs on key European exports
• This antagonistic approach strained relations and alarmed many European capitals
• Learning from this, leaders have recalibrated their strategies, emphasizing personal rapport and symbolic gestures to manage diplomacy effectively and avoid isolation from U.S. power
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The transatlantic alliance plays a pivotal role in coordinating global responses to climate, energy, and security challenges
• Maintaining cooperation is essential for sustaining joint efforts on climate finance, green technology standards, and energy security
• A breakdown could undermine EU-U.S. momentum on environmental action, especially in support for Ukraine’s energy transition amid wartime destruction
⏭️ What's next: European governments are expected to deepen informal diplomatic channels with Trump’s circle while balancing relations with the Biden administration
• Key decisions on Ukraine aid, defense spending, and energy resilience are anticipated in the coming months
• The evolving rapport could shape both NATO’s cohesion and the EU’s ability to secure U.S. support for global environmental and security initiatives
💬 One quote: “We’ve studied Trump’s methods and tailored our communication,” said a senior European diplomat. “We’re not ignoring substance, but presentation matters more with him than with any other leader”
📈 One stat: NATO’s European members increased defense spending by 11% in 2024 — the highest annual rise since the Cold War — in part to address Trump’s longstanding criticism of military burden-sharing
Explore carbon credit purchases, total emissions, and climate targets of thousands of companies on Data Hub™ — the first platform designed to help sustainability providers generate sales leads!
Click for more news covering the latest on public governance
