Yes, Europe’s leaders are finally standing up to Trump. Here’s why | Mujtaba Rahman

Friedrich Merz’s criticism of the US president was not a solo run. It was born of the realisation that US leverage has slipped Friedrich Merz’s criticism of Donald Trump last month reflected more than a moment of personal candour or a split between Berlin and the White House. It pointed to a broader shift under way among European leaders. Increasingly they are willing to publicly confront the Trump administration on issues ranging from Iran to Ukraine and European sovereignty. The Trump administration’s ever-more erratic policies and the belief that they necessitate a more forceful response partly explains this shift. Mujtaba Rahman is the managing director for Europe at Eurasia Group, a political risk research and consulting firm Continue reading...

Mujtaba Rahman · Mon, May 11, 2026, 9:00 PM
US news | The Guardian

Yes, Europe’s leaders are finally standing up to Trump. Here’s why | Mujtaba Rahman

Friedrich Merz’s criticism of the US president was not a solo run. It was born of the realisation that US leverage has slipped

Friedrich Merz’s criticism of Donald Trump last month reflected more than a moment of personal candour or a split between Berlin and the White House. It pointed to a broader shift under way among European leaders. Increasingly they are willing to publicly confront the Trump administration on issues ranging from Iran to Ukraine and European sovereignty.

The Trump administration’s ever-more erratic policies and the belief that they necessitate a more forceful response partly explains this shift.

Mujtaba Rahman is the managing director for Europe at Eurasia Group, a political risk research and consulting firm

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