The fragile US-eurozone relationship is exacerbated after Germany refuses to honour its commitment to spend 2% of its GDP on defence. The largest and richest country in the European Union does not have a functioning aviation and navy and is completely dependent on US security guarantees. Closely related to the issue of defence spending is Germany’s growing energy dependence on Russia. Despite opposition from the United States and 15 European countries, Germany is determined to complete the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which will further increase Russia’s leverage effect as an energy supplier to Europe. The United States spends billions of dollars a year to defend Europe from Russia’s growing threats, but the current German energy policy is increasing Russia’s grip on Europe.

The United States was the first to speak out against the Chinese company Huawei, accusing it of creating a cyber threat in the world associated with espionage. Donal Trump’s follow-up was to call on allies, including the European Union, not to allow the Chinese telecommunications company Huawei to participate in its next-generation mobile network. in February 2020, when China threatened retaliation against German carmakers, the Chinese Huawei was granted an exemption.