On April 7, 2025, AmCham hosted a webinar on the European response to geopolitical developments with Sir Julian King, former U.K. EU Commissioner and current Specialist Partner at Flint Global. This webinar, the third in a series about the economic outlook between the United States, Europe, and other actors, discussed current developments, including conversations around the recent tariff increases, defence policy, and international diplomacy. AmCham was honored to have insights from Katie Whitting, Partner at Flint Global, and François-Joseph Schichan, Director at Flint Global, who gave their expert perspective alongside Sir King.
International policy has been shifting in the last few years and was put into acceleration with the 2024 Presidential election. New policies and proclamations have led to a disruption in security, trade, and perceptions of values in the United States, which means changes for Europe. In reaction to a large list of measures, including tariffs that total to a 54% increase in three months, sanctions, and investment restrictions, among others, the decoupling pressure in the EU is at an all-time high. Although the rhetoric around specifics has changed, it is expected that at least an element of Trump’s new tariff policy will continue. In the coming weeks, EU member states will likely determine how to balance sending a strong message while keeping the door open for negotiation. The conversations will need to continue alongside other major topics, such as defence measures, which have already had large changes in funding allocation in some EU member states.
