Steinmeier urges Europe to cut reliance on US

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has warned that President Donald Trump's return to the White House marks a turning point in transatlantic relations, calling on Europe to reduce its dependence on the United States.

He said the shift was comparable to the rupture caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, after which relations with Moscow could not return to their previous state.

Steinmeier argued that Germany should draw on its experience of reducing reliance on Russian energy and apply similar thinking to ties with the US, particularly in defence and technology. He also highlighted the growing influence of US technology giants, warning that they have the capacity to shape not only foreign policy but domestic politics as well.

Europe, he said, has the potential to develop into a stronger technological centre in its own right.

Pointing to a dispute between the Pentagon and AI firm Anthropic over safety concerns, Steinmeier said the episode underscored the need for the EU to build on its own capabilities and uphold its own ethical standards.

(reuters, pir)