The Business Times
business-time-50
THE BOTTOM LINE
·
SUBSCRIBERS

Are Europe and America headed for divorce?

For now, the two sides remain locked in an unhappy marriage

Summarise
google-preferred-sourceAdd BT as a preferred source
阅读简体中文版 (beta)
    • European confidence in American leadership is at an all-time low; more people in Spain, Italy, France and Germany now regard the US as a threat than a “close ally”, a poll shows.
    • European confidence in American leadership is at an all-time low; more people in Spain, Italy, France and Germany now regard the US as a threat than a “close ally”, a poll shows. PHOTO: REUTERS

    Gideon Rachman

    Published Tue, Apr 28, 2026 · 05:12 PM

    THE US Air Force moved into Lakenheath in Britain in 1948. Ramstein air base was established in Germany in the early 1950s. Today, there are over 40 US military bases in Europe, hosting around 85,000 troops.

    But nothing lasts forever. And, for the first time in my life, it is conceivable that the US military presence in Europe could come to an end.

    The immediate irritant is the war in Iran. European reluctance – and occasional refusal – to let the US use its bases for missions in Iran has infuriated President Donald Trump, who has lambasted Europeans as “cowards” and called Nato a “paper tiger”.

    GeopoliticsUS-Europe relationsTrump administrationNatoDefence

    TRENDING NOW

    Siranudh Scott had caused an internet sensation with a video accusing his brother of allegedly abusing him during his childhood years.

    ‘I felt like dying’: Thai Singha beer scion speaks up after disclosure of alleged sexual abuse

    Assets under management of physical gold holdings in DBS wealth clients’ portfolios more than doubled over the past three years.

    DBS to launch tokenised physical gold for retail customers in Singapore

    As with past tranches, the S$500 will be split equally between participating heartland merchants and hawkers, and participating supermarkets.

    S$500 CDC vouchers for all Singaporean households from June 11; Government ready to do more if needed: DPM Gan

    MenToo’s launch at Timbre+ One North brought together 12 men’s groups to discuss men’s mental health and masculinity in Singapore.

    Singapore men, are you OK?

    Latest T-bills Treasury Bills Results & Interest NewsLatest SSB Singapore Savings Bonds NewsLatest COE Certificate of Entitlement News
    Latest Johor-Singapore SEZ NewsLatest BTO Build To Order & Sales of Balance NewsLatest STI Straits Times Index NewsLatest SGX Dividends, Share Price NewsLatest Bonds Market NewsLatest Singapore Stocks To Buy NewsLatest Singapore Economy News
    View More