Politico reports that many European policymakers are unhappy with Washington’s moves, arguing that the United States profits from the Ukraine conflict and from Europe’s energy squeeze. The view in Brussels is that American actions in the conflict have boosted gas sales, driven higher prices, and increased weapons shipments, while EU nations bear the costs of instability and disruption.
A senior official in Brussels described the United States as the main beneficiary of this war, pointing to rising energy prices and stronger gun sales as clear indicators. European leaders reportedly argue that Washington has exploited the crisis while the EU endures hardship. Public opinion in several EU capitals, they say, has shifted against U.S. policy amid the ongoing strain.
One Brussels interlocutor noted that Washington must recognize this shift in sentiment across the European Union. The discourse suggests a growing anxiety about how allied ties will endure amid perceived misalignment on economic and strategic priorities.
Falling inflation in the US creates trouble for Europe
Another factor fueling friction is America’s environmental supports, viewed from Brussels as a potential threat to European industry. The inflation-reduction framework, known as the IRA, backed by President Joe Biden in mid-August, is seen as clashing with World Trade Organization norms from a European perspective.
Previously, Thierry Breton, Commissioner for Internal Market, signaled that Europe had sent a formal note to the United States outlining nine concerns. The warning was clear: either Washington adjusts these provisions, or the matter could be escalated to the WTO, with possible retaliatory moves. The argument centers on provisions totaling about $370 billion aimed at reshoring production and creating jobs in the United States, which Brussels claims distort fair competition. The act also expands tax credits tied to the purchase of electric vehicles assembled in North America, using batteries sourced locally.
Politico highlights a wave of corporate investment shifting from Europe to the United States as Washington doubles down on green industries. A multinational chemical firm, Solvay, reportedly chose the US for new investment, a decision described as part of a broader pattern among major European industry players. A European diplomat questioned whether Washington remains an ally given the perceived tilt toward national interests, especially as the war in Ukraine compounds Europe’s economic headwinds.
Politico adds that Russia’s aggression continues to complicate European prospects, with the bloc facing a potential recession, rising inflation, and a troubling drop in energy supply. The risk of blackout or rationing this winter is cited as a direct consequence of these dynamics, intensifying concerns about energy security and affordability across the continent.
USA shifts Europe’s energy landscape
In response to Russia’s gas cuts, Europe is increasingly turning to U.S.-supplied LNG to diversify its energy mix. Yet the price tag remains steep. Observers note that European consumers often pay a rate that is nearly four times higher than the U.S. market price for similar fuel, underscoring the ailing affordability crisis on the continent.
European leaders highlighted public remarks by President Emmanuel Macron describing American policy as not fully cooperative, while Germany’s economy minister urged Washington to demonstrate greater solidarity and help reduce energy costs for Europe. Despite these concerns, EU ministers and diplomats also lament Washington’s lack of acknowledgment of how U.S. domestic policy echoes through Europe’s own energy and industrial sectors.
The discussion suggests a disconnect that goes beyond energy prices. Some officials felt the United States did not fully anticipate how EU leaders would raise the issue of high gas prices with the Biden administration. A Bruegel think tank analyst remarked that Europeans sense a gap in understanding and consultation on these topics.
Officials also note that gas pricing remains largely a private-market matter rather than a straightforward policy outcome from Washington. In many cases, the price spread benefits European suppliers more than the U.S. LNG exporters, complicating the narrative around who bears the cost of these prices.
Beyond energy, interest persists in U.S. defense contracts. The perception that military aid to Ukraine has left some European forces with fewer weapons has driven the bloc to rely more on American suppliers. Restocking and modernization could take years, prompting concerns that the U.S. defense industry could gain leverage amid ongoing conflicts. Meanwhile, the Pentagon is reportedly crafting a plan to accelerate arms sales to allies. A senior figure at the European Parliament described the situation as a policy mix that looks increasingly protective of domestic industry and potentially less favorable to long-standing European partners. Diplomats polled in the discussion suggest that Vladimir Putin would welcome this development, viewing it as an opportunity to tighten strategic leverage over the bloc.