Europe to America: ‘We Are Looking for New Partners’
Foreign Policy
by Ravi AgrawalFebruary 13, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Europe and America’s trans-Atlantic relationship is under close scrutiny as leaders gather at the Munich Security Conference. A year after U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance’s blunt remarks left European leaders questioning their future ties with Washington, the focus now turns to how both sides are navigating an increasingly tense economic landscape. The latest FP Live panel discussion, titled “Tariff-fying Times,” featured key figures like World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and German Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil, who offered insights into the current state of global trade and Europe’s shifting priorities.
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala highlighted the growing concern over U.S. tariffs, which have surged from 2.6% to nearly 18%, signaling a significant shift in economic policy. While she acknowledged the challenges posed by these measures, she emphasized that the WTO system remains resilient, with 72% of global trade still adhering to its rules. Okonjo-Iweala stressed the importance of reforming the outdated trade system rather than engaging in retaliatory actions, which could further destabilize the global economy.
Meanwhile, European leaders are reevaluating their position on the world stage. Lars Klingbeil noted that Chancellor Friedrich Merz had called for a new approach to international relations, urging Europe to focus on strengthening its own sovereignty and competitiveness. He pointed to recent agreements with Mercosur and India as evidence of Europe’s proactive search for new partners beyond the trans-Atlantic alliance.
The discussion underscores the growing divergence between U.S. and European trade policies and the need for both sides to adapt to a changing global order. For readers interested in
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Originally published on Foreign Policy on 2/13/2026