The Global Story European leaders are defying Trump. At what cost?
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May 5, 2026 
Katya Adler, BBC Europe editor based in Brussels, brings sharp context on EU politics and transatlantic strains. She traces growing European criticism of Trump and the US troop pullback from Germany. Short takes cover energy anxieties, summit reactions, rising domestic political pressures, and how conservatives across Europe are recalibrating ties with Washington.
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Europe Publicly Pushes Back Over Iran And US Moves
- European leaders are increasingly willing to publicly contradict President Trump over the Iran war and other provocations.
- Germany's Friedrich Merz publicly called US actions humiliating, triggering Trump's threat to review troop levels and the Pentagon's withdrawal of 5,000 troops and missile battalion plans.
Missile Battalion Cancellation Exposes European Gaps
- The Pentagon decision not to send a battalion with long-range missiles to Germany is both practical and symbolic for European security.
- Europe now faces a capability gap while collaborative missile programs (UK, Poland, Germany, France, Italy) are still developing.
Cyprus Summit Shows Europe Rallying Despite Private Support
- European unity at the Cyprus summit reflected concern about energy and leaked US threats to allies like Spain.
- Leaders rallied around Spain's Pedro Sánchez and privately helped US operations even while publicly critical.