United States–European Union relations

The United States and the European Union began formal relations in 1953, when U.S. diplomats visited the European Coal and Steel Community (the EU precursor, created in 1951) in addition to the national governments of its six founding countries (Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and West Germany, present-day Germany). The two parties have historically shared a good relationship strengthened by a military cooperation within NATO, cooperation on trade, and their common values. However, since the 1960s, there have been many long-running and ongoing disputes over economy, foreign policy, and domestic policy/laws.

The relationship has severely deteriorated since the beginning of 2025 with the reelection of Donald Trump as US President, his embrace of the "America First" policy and the conflict over the Russian invasion of Ukraine following President Trump's efforts to redirect US support away from Ukraine in favour of Russia and Vladimir Putin. Moreover, Trump's plan to impose heavy tariffs for EU products and his threats against an EU member's sovereignty has led to concerns in the EU over rising protectionism and the potential impact on transatlantic economic ties. Both sides have engaged in ongoing negotiations, aiming to avoid escalation while preserving a stable trading relationship.