A scheduled meeting between the European Union’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was abruptly canceled on Wednesday due to “scheduling conflicts.” The decision comes at a time of heightened tensions between the United States and Europe, as reported by the Associated Press and Gazeta Express.
Officials from both sides cited scheduling issues for the cancellation. The two leaders last met at the Munich Security Conference in Germany last month.
Rising Transatlantic Tensions
In recent weeks, President Donald Trump has stirred controversy within the transatlantic partnership by promising increased tariffs on European imports, arguing that American products face unfair trade barriers in the EU.
European officials have traveled to Washington to prevent a potential trade war. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has urged European nations to take greater responsibility for their own security, including support for Ukraine. Notably, the U.S. has sidelined European allies in early negotiations with Russia on ending the war in Ukraine.
In a significant diplomatic shift, the U.S. recently voted against a Europe-backed UN resolution condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, aligning with Moscow instead.
Macron and Starmer Step In
To mend relations, French President Emmanuel Macron met with Trump at the White House on Monday, seeking reassurances of continued U.S. support. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, whose country aligns closely with EU foreign policy despite Brexit, is expected to visit Washington on Thursday.
Kallas, speaking earlier this week, acknowledged growing European concerns over U.S. foreign policy.
Kallas Seeks Reassurances from U.S. Lawmakers
Despite the canceled meeting with Rubio, Kallas was scheduled to meet with U.S. senators and members of Congress to discuss the war in Ukraine and transatlantic ties. She was also expected to participate in a panel discussion at the Hudson Institute on these key geopolitical issues.
Diplomatic sources indicate that Kallas aimed to secure commitments from U.S. lawmakers that, despite shifts in the Trump administration’s foreign policy, the EU and the U.S. would continue to be strategic partners in security and economic affairs.
Some U.S. lawmakers, both Democrats and Republicans, have voiced concerns about Trump’s approach to transatlantic relations. There have been discussions about introducing a congressional resolution reaffirming U.S. commitments to NATO and European security, reflecting bipartisan unease over the administration’s direction.
As U.S.-EU tensions grow, the coming weeks may determine the future of transatlantic cooperation in security, trade, and diplomacy.
