Europe’s Position and the Next Moves in the EU–US Trade Dispute

Ioannis  Alexandris, Research Fellow at ELIAMEP was invited to comment on current European affairs on the “World Pulse” programme of Naftemporiki TV on 23 February.

The discussion focused on EU–US relations following the European Parliament’s decision to freeze the ratification process of the EU–US trade agreement, in the aftermath of the recent ruling by the United States Supreme Court. Alexandris analysed the broader implications of this development for the transatlantic partnership, noting that the European Union is navigating a period of heightened uncertainty while seeking to reduce the asymmetric interdependence that characterised previous decades.

He highlighted key strategic options available to the EU, including trade diversification through new bilateral agreements (such as with India and Australia), the acceleration of accession processes for countries including Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine, and Moldova, as well as efforts to strengthen European defence capabilities and advance the strategic autonomy agenda.

Particular attention was given to the evolving political climate within the EU, the challenges stemming from the rise of far-right and Eurosceptic forces in key Member States, and the upcoming elections in Hungary, which could significantly shape the future trajectory of EU enlargement.

Alexandris underlined that domestic political dynamics within Member States increasingly influence enlargement negotiations and the broader direction of European integration — a central finding of his research conducted under the think nea – New Narratives for European Integration initiative of ELIAMEP’s  Wider Europe Programme.

Click to watch the interview, in Greek.